Nitroglycerin (By injection)
nye-troe-GLIS-er-in
Treats high blood pressure and heart problems such as angina or heart attack. This medicine is a nitrate.
Drug classes
Antianginal, Cardiovascular Agent, Coronary Vasodilator (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Nitroglycerin injection is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) during surgery or to control congestive heart failure in patients who have had a heart attack. It may also be used to produce hypotension (low blood pressure) during surgery. Nitroglycerin injection is sometimes used to treat angina (chest pain) in patients who have been treated with other medicines that did not work well.
Nitroglycerin belongs to the group of medicines called nitrates. It works by relaxing the blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its work load.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
You should not receive this medicine if you are also using riociguat, sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil.
Some medicines can affect how nitroglycerin works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following:
Heparin Blood pressure medicinesWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive this medicine if you had an allergic reaction to nitroglycerin, or if you have certain heart conditions. Your doctor will determine if you have any of these conditions.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney, liver, or heart disease, diabetes, or an allergy to corn.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Severe low blood pressure Worsening of chest pain caused by an enlarged heartMedicines that treat chest pain sometimes cause headaches. These headaches are a sign that the medicine is working. Ask your doctor if you can take aspirin or acetaminophen to treat the headache.
This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. You may feel lightheaded when standing, so stand up slowly.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Increased chest pain, slow heartbeat
Severe headache
Severe or ongoing dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
NITRONAL, Nitro-Bid
There may be other brand names for this medicine.