What is nitroglycerin used for?
What is nitroglycerin? Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator, a medicine that opens blood vessels to improve blood flow. It is used to treat angina symptoms, such as chest pain or pressure, that happens when there is not enough blood flowing to the heart.
What is the side effect of nitroglycerin?
Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, flushing, and burning/tingling under the tongue may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Headache is often a sign that this medication is working.
Is nitroglycerin a high explosive?
Nitroglycerin is an oily, colourless liquid, but also a high explosive that is so unstable that the slightest jolt, impact or friction can cause it to spontaneously detonate. It is the speed of the decomposition reaction which makes nitroglycerin such a violent explosive.
When do you take nitroglycerin spray?
Nitroglycerin comes as a spray to use on or under the tongue. The spray is usually used as needed, either 5 to 10 minutes before activities that may cause attacks of angina or at the first sign of an attack.
Is it safe to take nitroglycerin?
As with any medicine, nitroglycerin might be harmful if you don’t take it correctly. You should not take nitroglycerin if: You have taken the maximum amount of short-acting nitroglycerin prescribed by your doctor. You know your blood pressure is very low.
Is it OK to take nitroglycerin every day?
Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 to 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. It is important to take the drug at the same times each day. Do not change the dosing times unless directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Can nitroglycerin damage your heart?
One of the reasons that nitroglycerin can eventually be harmful to the heart is that it destroys an enzyme called ALDH2. This enzyme is responsible for converting nitroglycerin to nitric oxide, the compound that dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow.
Can nitroglycerin hurt you?
Take it only when you have chest pain. If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include: throbbing headache.
What happens when you take nitroglycerin and you don’t need it?
If you don’t take it at all: If you don’t take this drug at all, you may have severe chest pain. If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: This drug is not meant to be taken on a schedule. Take it only when you have chest pain. If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body.
What happens if you drop nitroglycerin?
Although rare, withdrawal can be fatal. Withdrawal symptoms include chest pain and other heart problems. These symptoms may be relieved with re-exposure to nitroglycerin or other suitable organic nitrates.
What happens if you take nitroglycerin and you don’t need it?