Nitroglycerin mouth spray

What is this medicine?

NITROGLYCERIN (nye troe GLI ser in) is a type of vasodilator. It relaxes blood vessels, increasing the blood and oxygen supply to your heart. This medicine is used to prevent or relieve chest pain caused by angina.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the mouth. Use at the first sign of an attack. You can also use this medicine 5 to 10 minutes before an event likely to produce chest pain. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not shake the container. Remove the plastic cover. Before using this medicine for the first time, you must prime the bottle by spraying the pump 5 times into the air away from yourself. If this medicine has not been used for 6 weeks, you must reprime the bottle by spraying once into the air away from yourself. Hold the container upright and spray either onto or underneath the tongue. Do not breathe in the spray. After each spray, close your mouth but do not swallow or rinse. Your symptoms should improve in 1 to 5 minutes. You can repeat the dose every 5 minutes for up to three doses. If you do not feel better after 1 dose, contact your doctor or health care professional immediately or have someone take you straight to an emergency room. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

If you take this medicine often to relieve symptoms of angina, your doctor or health care professional may provide you with different instructions to manage your symptoms. If symptoms do not go away after following these instructions, it is important to call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not take more than 3 doses over 15 minutes.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blurred vision

• dry mouth

• skin rash

• sweating

• the feeling of extreme pressure in the head

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• flushing of the face or neck

• headache

• irregular heartbeat, palpitations

• nausea, vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• certain migraine medicines like ergotamine and dihydroergotamine (DHE)

• medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction like sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil

• riociguat

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• medicines for high blood pressure

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medicine is only used as needed.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not spray near flames. Do not forcefully open or burn the container. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease

• recent heart attack

• an unusual or allergic reaction to nitroglycerin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if you feel your medicine is no longer working.

Keep this medicine with you at all times. Sit or lie down when you take your medicine to prevent falling if you feel dizzy or faint after using it. Try to remain calm. This will help you to feel better faster. If you feel dizzy, take several deep breaths and lie down with your feet propped up, or bend forward with your head resting between your knees.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.