Discharge Instructions: Taking Fast-Acting Nitroglycerin

Your doctor prescribed nitroglycerin for you. This medication relieves angina (chest pain caused by a lack of blood to the heart) by getting more oxygen-rich blood to your heart. Fast-acting nitroglycerin stops an angina attack. Follow the steps below for taking fast-acting nitroglycerin.

Guidelines for Use

• If you are on nitroglycerin, do not take Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis (drugs used to treat impotence) at any time. The combination of nitroglycerin with Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis can cause a severe drop in blood pressure. This can lead to dizziness, fainting, heart attack, or stroke.

• To use fast-acting tablets

  • Sit down.

  • Place 1 tablet under your tongue. You can also place it between your lip and gum, or between your cheek and gum.

  • Let the tablet dissolve completely. Don’t swallow or chew the tablet.

  • Sit for 5 minutes.

  • As the tablet is dissolving, do not eat or drink anything, or smoke or chew tobacco.

• To use a fast-acting spray

  • Sit down.

  • Open your mouth and hold the sprayer just in front of your mouth.

  • Press the button on the top. Spray once under your tongue or inside your cheek. Do not inhale.

  • Close your mouth. Then wait a few seconds before you swallow.

  • Sit for 5 minutes.

• After taking 1 tablet or spraying once:

  • If the angina goes away, rest for a while and continue your normal routine.

Possible Side Effects

If you have any of these side effects, tell your doctor. But don’t stop taking the medication until your doctor tells you to. Mild side effects include the following:

• More gas (flatulence) than normal

• Bloating

• Nausea

• Hair loss

• Decreased appetite

• Weight loss

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Flushing (redness of the face, neck, or chest)