Nitrostat (Nitroglycerin)

What is Nitrostat?

Nitrostat (nitroglycerine) belongs to a class of drugs known as nitrates.

What is Nitrostat used for?

Nitrostat is used to prevent chest pain (angina). Clinical symptom of angina is sudden attacks of pain. It occurs due to certain heart disease (coronary artery disease). It may also be used to relieve chest pain that has already occurred. The medication is generally used before physical activities such as exercises or sexual activity.

How does Nitrostat work?

Chest pains occur when the body fails to supply sufficient amount of oxygen to the heart. Nitrostat widens blood vessels making blood flow easy. This increases the amount of oxygen in the heart and reduces its workload.

How to use Nitrostat

Nitrostat should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. Taking a higher dose of this medicine than prescribed may decrease its efficiency and hence prove to be harmful.

It is very important to remember that Nitrostat should not be swallowed.  The tablet should be placed under the tongue or between the cheek and gum so that it dissolves gradually.  You should take a Nitrostat tablet at the first sign of an angina attack and wait patiently for the tablet to dissolve. Though the dose is usually repeated after every 5 minutes, you should not take more that 3 tablets within a span of 15 minutes. If the chest pain lingers even after taking 3 tablets, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Nitrostat can also be taken as a preventive measure to avoid angina caused by physical activity. In this case it is advised that you take a tablet 5 to 10 minutes prior to the activity, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

Nitrostat warnings and precautions

Nitrostat is not administered to patients who are allergic to any ingredient of Nitostat or are having conditions such as: pressure in head, or severe anemia.

Prior to taking the medication, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any other drug or have any of the following conditions: heart failure, enlarged heart; stroke, bleeding in brain or other brain injury; dehydration, low blood volume, or overactive thyroid.

Consultation with your physician is advised before alcohol consumption as alcohol combined with Nitrostat may increase the risk of low blood pressure.

Pregnant and lactating women are advised to discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Nitrostat with their respective doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Nitrostat dose?

If you have missed a Nitrostat dose and you are experiencing continuous chest pains, contact your doctor immediately.

What do I do if I have taken a Nitrostat overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Nitrostat, consult your doctor immediately.

Nitrostat interactions

Some drugs which may interact with Nitrostat include: beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, medicines for high blood pressure, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, salicylates, altepase, and long acting nitrates.

Other drugs may also interact with Nitrostat. So, it is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before taking Nitrostat.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Nitrostat side effects

Side effects from Nitrostat include severe allergic reactions such as hives, breathing difficulty, swelling of face, tongue, lips, or throat and other serious side-effects such as  blurred vision, fainting, heavy sweating, flushing, irregular heartbeat, worsening chest pain, nausea, vomiting, pale skin, severe dizziness, dry mouth, shortness of breath, swelling of hands, ankles or feet; unusual weakness, and slow heartbeat.

Dizziness, burning sensation in mouth, and headache are some less serious side effects of Nitrostat.