Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 5, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Nitro-Bid
- NITRONAL
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Coronary Vasodilator
Chemical Class: Nitrate
Uses for nitroglycerin
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.
Nitroglycerin is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using nitroglycerin
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For nitroglycerin, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to nitroglycerin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of nitroglycerin injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of nitroglycerin injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving nitroglycerin injection.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in wom...
