Nitroglycerin

What is it?

Composition

Nitroglycerin is available in various dosage forms, and its composition may vary depending on the specific type of drug. However, the main active ingredient is always nitroglycerin, which provides its therapeutic effect. Additional components may include excipients that help stabilize the active substance and ensure ease of use.

Depending on the form of the drug, the composition may contain the following ingredients:

• Nitroglycerin is the main active substance that provides vasodilation.
• Lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, starch are excipients in tablets that provide shape and structure.
• Ethyl alcohol and propellant are found in sprays for ease of dosing and use.
• Polymer materials are found in patches, providing a gradual release of the active substance.

Each release form is intended for specific purposes and conditions of use, which allows you to choose the best option for each patient.

How to use?

The correct use of nitroglycerin depends on the form of release and purpose of the drug. It is important to strictly follow the doctors recommendations and instructions for use to achieve the best therapeutic effect and avoid side effects.

Basic recommendations for the use of nitroglycerin include:

1. When using tablets or capsules to relieve angina attacks: the tablet should be placed under the tongue and held until completely dissolved, without chewing or swallowing. The effect usually occurs within 1-5 minutes.
2. Spray: it is necessary to spray under the tongue, avoiding inhalation, then close the mouth and do not swallow immediately. The drug is quickly absorbed through the oral mucosa and acts similarly to tablets.
3. Patch: applied to clean, dry skin without damage. The patch provides a gradual release of nitroglycerin over a long period of time, usually 24 hours. The patch should be changed daily, choosing a new place for sticking.

It is not recommended to use nitroglycerin more often than prescribed, and if there is no effect, you should immediately seek medical help.

How does it work?

Nitroglycerin works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels, causing them to widen. This process is known as vasodilation. When vessels widen, blood flow improves, especially in the coronary arteries that supply the heart with oxygen. This helps reduce the workload on the heart and decrease the myocardium’s need for oxygen, which is a key aspect in the treatment of angina.

In addition, nitroglycerin reduces the preload on the heart, decreasing the amount of blood returning to the heart through the veins. This is especially important in heart failure, where the heart’s efficiency decreases. As a result of using nitroglycerin, symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath are reduced and the patient’s general condition improves. The drug’s effect comes on quickly, making it an indispensable remedy for stopping acute attacks of angina.

Indications

Nitroglycerin is prescribed for the treatment and prevention of various cardiovascular diseases associated with circulatory disorders and increased stress on the heart. This drug is effective in a number of clinical situations where rapid and reliable vasodilation is required to improve blood flow and reduce pain.

The main indications for the use of nitroglycerin include:

• Angina pectoris - to relieve attacks and prevent new episodes of chest pain caused by a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle.
• Heart failure - to reduce the load on the heart and improve its function, especially in acute situations.
• Myocardial infarction - as an auxiliary means for expanding the coronary arteries and improving the blood supply to the affected areas of the heart.
• Hypertensive crisis - to quickly reduce blood pressure in life-threatening conditions.
• Pulmonary hypertension - to reduce pressure in the pulmonary arteries and relieve symptoms of the disease.

Due to its ability to quickly and effectively reduce the load on the heart, nitroglycerin occupies an important place in the arsenal of drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Contraindications

Despite its high effectiveness, nitroglycerin is not suitable for use in all patients. There are a number of contraindications in which the use of this drug may be dangerous or inappropriate. Before starting treatment, it is necessary to carefully study the possible risks and consult a doctor.

The main contraindications for the use of nitroglycerin include:

• Hypersensitivity to nitroglycerin or other nitrates, which can lead to allergic reactions.
• Severe anemia, since the drug can worsen the condition due to a decrease in the oxygen capacity of the blood.
• Hemorrhagic stroke or intracranial hemorrhage, since vasodilation can increase bleeding.
• Severe arterial hypotension (low blood pressure), in which the use of nitroglycerin can cause a dangerous decrease in blood pressure.
• Closed-angle glaucoma, since the drug can increase intraocular pressure.
• Simultaneous use with drugs that increase nitric oxide levels, such as sildenafil (Viagra), which can cause a sharp and dangerous decrease in blood pressure.

In case of If one or more of these conditions are present, the physician should select an alternative treatment or adjust the dosage and regimen of nitroglycerin.

Side effects

Like any drug, nitroglycerin can cause side effects, although not all patients experience them. Most often, these reactions are associated with its vasodilatory effect, which leads to changes in blood pressure and other physiological parameters. Most side effects are temporary and disappear after the body adapts to the drug.

The most common side effects of nitroglycerin include:

• Headaches – the most common side effect caused by dilation of blood vessels in the brain.
• Dizziness or feeling faint – usually due to a drop in blood pressure.
• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) – may occur in response to a rapid drop in blood pressure.
• Flushing of the skin of the face and neck – a result of dilation of peripheral blood vessels.
• Nausea or vomiting – sometimes occurs when first taking the drug or with an overdose.

If the side effects become too severe or continue for a long time, you should consult a doctor to adjust the dosage or change the drug. In rare cases, more serious reactions are possible that require immediate medical attention.