Lake Champlain Cardiology Associates
52 Tom Miller Rd., Plattsburgh, NY 12901  (518) 563-2404
www.lccahearts.com

Nitroglycerin Instructions

Why is this medicine prescribed?

1. It is used to prevent angina (heart pain pressure, burning, heaviness, or shortness of breath) by relaxing the blood vessels to the heart so the blood and oxygen supply to the heart is increased.

How should this medicine be used?

1. When angina occurs, stop what you are doing and sit down or lie down.
2. Place the tablet under your tongue – do not chew or swallow. You may feel a tingling sensation – this is normal.
3. Do not swallow the tablet and try not to swallow saliva too often until the table dissolves.
4. Watch the clock – if chest pain is not relieved after 5 minutes, take another dose.
5. If angina is not relieved within another 5 minutes, take another dose and call for emergency assistance.  You may take 3 nitroglycerin before calling for help.
6. It can also be used to prevent angina, if you are about to do an activity that may cause angina. 

What side effects can this medicine cause?

1. headache
2. dizziness
3. flushing
4. fainting can occur rarely – be careful for 30 minutes after using nitroglycerin and watch out for dizziness

What other information should I know?

1. Always bring nitroglycerin with you wherever you go.
2. Keep the medication in the container it came in.
3. Do not open a container of nitroglycerin until you need a dose.
4. Do not use tablets that are more than 12 months old. If stored properly, tablets are good until the expiration date of the bottle.
5. Throw away any medication that is outdated.
6. If your angina attacks happen more often, last longer or are more severe, call your doctor.
7. Nitroglycerin is also available as a spray.