MHVI Owners Manual . Medications . Nitroglycerin Products

Names
erythrityl tetranitrate (Cardilate)
isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isorbid, Isordil, Sorbitrate, Sorbitrate SA)
isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, Ismo, Monoket)
nitroglycerin (Minitran, Nitro-Bid, Nitrocap,Nitrodisc, Nitrodur, Nitrogard, Nitrostat,
Transderm-Nitro, Nitroglyn, Nitrol)
pentaerythritol tetranitrate (Pentylan, Peritrate, Peritrate SA)

Q. Why has my doctor prescribed this type of medication?
A. Nitroglycerin products are often referred to as nitrates. Nitrates dilate blood vessels, help reduce the amount of "work" the heart must do, and increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. Nitrates can be given by mouth, under the tongue, applied to the skin or given intravenously. They are used to treat:

Angina pectoris (the chest pain associated with blocked coronary arteries)
Acute heart attack (myocardial infarction)
Congestive heart failure

Q. Are there any special precautions that I need to be aware of before I start this type of medication?
A. Please carefully review the general guidelines at the beginning of this section. Talk with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Tell them if you:

Are taking any other medication-prescription or non-prescription-including vitamins and herbs, especially Viagra or other medication to treat high blood pressure
Have any other medical problems, especially migraines or passing-out spells

Q. What is the proper way to take these medications?
A. Follow these guidelines:

The sublingual form is used as needed when you begin to feel anginal chest pain. This tablet is placed under the tongue (or a spray is used) and allowed to dissolve. A second type of nitroglycerin is taken on a regular basis to help prevent the onset of anginal pain. This type is either swallowed or applied to the skin with a patch or ointment. It is important to know which type you are taking.
If you are asked to take nitroglycerin as needed for chest discomfort, you should have your nitroglycerin with you at all times. Every six months you should get a new prescription for your sublingual tablets as they can gradually lose their effectiveness. In general, sublingual nitro tablets should be taken every five minutes for three doses (while you are sitting down) if your discomfort isn't relieved. If the chest pain persists after the third nitroglycerin, call 911.
If you find that you are having to take nitroglycerin frequently, contact your doctor.
Your body can become used to nitroglycerin, and it becomes less effective. This is called nitrate tolerance. Your doctor will prescribe the type of nitroglycerin product and the timing of the doses so that your body will get a break from the nitroglycerin each day, and by doing so maintain its effectiveness. If you have questions about the timing of your nitroglycerin doses, please ask your doctor, nurse and/or pharmacist.

Q. What are the possible side effects of this type of medication?
A. Although most side effects from nitrates are usually mild and not very common, a headache is relatively common. If you experience headaches with your first doses of a nitroglycerin product, it may take some time to be accustomed to it; or it may improve if your physician lowers the dose. You may also experience dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea or blurred vision. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.