What is the purpose of nitroglycerin?

NITROGLYCERIN (nye troe GLI ser in) is a type of vasodilator. It relaxes blood vessels, increasing the blood and oxygen supply to your heart. This medicine is used to relieve chest pain caused by angina.

Can nitroglycerin save your life?

Quick treatment could save your life. If your doctor has prescribed nitroglycerin for angina: Take 1 dose of nitroglycerin and wait 5 minutes. If your symptoms don’t improve or if they get worse,call 911 or other emergency services.

What is the half life of nitroglycerin?

2 to 3 minutes
Elimination: Nitroglycerin plasma concentrations decrease rapidly, with a mean elimination half-life of 2 to 3 minutes. Half-life values range from 1.5 to 7.5 minutes. Clearance (13.6 L/min) greatly exceeds hepatic blood flow.

What is the physiologic effect of nitroglycerin?

Nitroglycerin works by relaxing the smooth muscle and blood vessels in your body. This increases the amount of blood and oxygen that reaches your heart. In turn, your heart doesn’t work as hard. This reduces chest pain.

When should you not take nitroglycerin?

Nitroglycerin is contraindicated in patients that have reported allergic symptoms to the medication. [18] Known history of increased intracranial pressure, severe anemia, right-sided myocardial infarction, or hypersensitivity to nitroglycerin are contraindications to nitroglycerin therapy.

How long do the effects of a nitro pill last?

The effects of nitrates taken under the tongue, as sublingual nitroglycerin, only last about 5 to 10 minutes or so. Longer-lasting nitroglycerin and other nitrate compounds also can be taken to prevent angina — chest pain. Chest pain or pressure can occur when the heart is not getting enough blood.

How does nitroglycerin affect the heart rate?

More serious side effects include flushing of the head and neck can occur with nitroglycerin therapy as can an increase in heart rate or palpitations. This can be associated with a drop in blood pressure which can be accompanied by dizziness or weakness.

How does nitroglycerin affect the heart?

Doctors usually prescribe nitroglycerin for angina pectoris, which often is called just “angina.”. It’s sudden heart-related chest pain. It happens because something prevents the flow of blood to your heart muscle. Nitroglycerin helps widen the blood vessels so more blood gets to your heart muscle.

What does nitroglycerin do for heart problems?

Nitroglycerin extended-release capsules are used to prevent chest pain ( angina) in people with a certain heart condition ( coronary artery disease ). This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as nitrates. Angina occurs when the heart muscle is not getting enough blood.

What happens if you overdose on nitroglycerin?

An overdose of nitroglycerin can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include a severe throbbing headache, confusion, fever, fast or pounding heartbeats, dizziness, vision problems, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, trouble breathing, cold or clammy skin, fainting, and seizures.