The U.S. FDA approved Nitroglycerin on July 21, 2011, to treat heart-related conditions.  Nitroglycerin belongs to the medication class known as nitrates which works by relaxing the muscles around blood vessels; it eases the heart's workload and relieves angina pain.

Nitroglycerin is used in various conditions, including heart failure and acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). It is also effective in treating angina attacks and can help lower blood pressure during surgery. Additionally, it is used to control blood pressure during and after cardiac surgery, providing vital support to the heart. 

Nitroglycerin will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is usually administered in a vein (intravenous). Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.

The most common side effects of Nitroglycerin are sleepiness, low blood pressure (hypotension), light-headedness, dizziness, drowsiness, and rapid heartbeat.

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to nitroglycerin or any other nitrates or if you are taking medication for erectile dysfunction such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil, or tadalafil. Combining Nitroglycerin with these medicines can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, leading to collapse and even fatality. Avoid using this medicine if you are in shock or have severe anemia, low blood pressure, low blood volume, or low blood oxygen. It is also not recommended if you have certain heart conditions, fluid accumulation in the lung, or a history of head injuries or cerebral hemorrhage. Additionally, if you are using riociguat for treating pulmonary hypertension, avoid taking this. 

Before taking medicine, inform your doctor if you have certain heart conditions (acute left-sided heart failure, heart attack), liver or kidney problems, thyroid issues, hypothermia, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is advised not to be used in children. 

Patients with liver, heart, and kidney conditions should take Nitroglycerin cautiously and inform the doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Do not stop the medicine until your doctor advises. Do not double-dose the medicine to make up for a forgotten dose. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Your medical professional will inform you if you need any dose adjustments. Contact your doctor for more information.  Do not freeze the medicine. Do not store above 25°C. Always check the expiry date before consuming it.

1. Hameln Pharma Ltd, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on April 2021] [ Accessed on 24th July 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6296.pdf 
2. Baxter, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Oct 2014] [ Accessed on 24th July 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/019970s015lbl.pdf
3. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Treatment of myocardial ischemia and hypertension, 12th edition, 2011, 753.
4. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antianginal and other anti-ischaemic drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 543.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.