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- $Unique_ID{BRK03255}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{nitroglycerin (topical)}
- $Subject{topical Deponit Wyeth Nitro-Bid Marion Nitrodisc Searle Nitro-Dur Key
- Transdermal System Bolar Nitrol Adria Nitrostat Parke-Davis Transderm-Nitro
- Ciba Antianginal nitroglycerin angina chest pain vasodilator muscles blood
- vessels oxygen}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- nitroglycerin (topical)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)
-
- Deponit (Wyeth)
- Nitro-Bid (Marion)
- Nitrodisc (Searle)
- Nitro-Dur (Key)
- nitroglycerin (various manufacturers)
- Nitroglycerin Transdermal System (Bolar)
- Nitrol (Adria)
- Nitrostat (Parke-Davis)
- Transderm-Nitro (Ciba)
-
- TYPE OF DRUG
-
- Antianginal
-
- INGREDIENT
-
- nitroglycerin
-
- DOSAGE FORMS
-
- Ointment (2%)
- Transdermal system (the patch delivers 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.4 mg, or
- 0.6 mg per hour)
-
- STORAGE
-
- Nitroglycerin ointment and patches should be stored at room temperature
- in their original containers. The ointment container should always be tightly
- capped.
-
- USES
-
- Nitroglycerin is used to prevent angina (chest pain). It is a
- vasodilator, which relaxes the muscles of the blood vessels, causing an
- increase in the oxygen supply to the heart. The ointment and patches do not
- act quickly--they should not be used to treat chest pain that has already
- started.
-
- TREATMENT
-
- The ointment comes with an applicator with which the prescribed dosage
- can be easily measured and applied. Before a new dose is applied, the
- previous dose should be thoroughly removed. Each dose should be applied to a
- new site on the skin. Do not rub or massage the ointment into the skin. Just
- spread the ointment in a thin, even layer, covering an area of about the same
- size each time. Avoid contact of the ointment with other parts of the body,
- since it is absorbed wherever it touches the skin. Either use plastic or
- rubber gloves to apply the ointment, or wash your hands immediately after
- application. Cover the ointment only if directed to do so by your doctor.
- The transdermal system (patches) allows controlled, continuous release of
- nitroglycerin. Patches are convenient and easy to use. For best results,
- apply the patch to a hairless or clean-shaven area of skin, avoiding scars and
- wounds. Choose a site (such as the chest or upper arm) that is not subject to
- excessive movement. It is all right to bathe or shower with a patch in place.
- In the event that a patch becomes dislodged, discard and replace it. Replace
- a patch by applying a new unit before removing the old one. This allows for
- uninterrupted drug therapy, and skin irritation is minimized since the site is
- changed each time. If redness or irritation develops at the application site,
- consult your physician. Do not trim or cut the patches. This alters the dose
- of the medication.
- If you miss an application of this medication, apply the missed
- application as soon as possible, unless it is more than halfway through the
- interval between doses. In that case, do not apply the missed application at
- all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next
- dose.
-
- SIDE EFFECTS
-
- Minor.
-
- Dizziness, flushing of the face, headache, light-headedness, nausea,
- vomiting, or weakness. These side effects should disappear as your body
- adjusts to the drug.
- If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
- slowly, and be careful on stairs. To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when
- you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments
- before rising. Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising
- the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs
- in a pedaling motion.
- If you are experiencing headaches acetaminophen may help to relieve them
- slightly.
-
- Major.
-
- Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
- particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
- fainting, palpitations, rash, or sweating.
-
- INTERACTIONS
-
- Nitroglycerin can interact with other types of medications:
- 1. The combination of alcohol and nitroglycerin can lead to dizziness and
- fainting.
- 2. Nitroglycerin can increase the side effects of the tricyclic
- antidepressants.
- Before starting to take nitroglycerin, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
- any medications you are currently taking, especially tricyclic
- antidepressants.
-
- WARNINGS
-
- * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
- any medications, especially to nitroglycerin or isosorbide dinitrate.
- * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
- you now have or if you have ever had anemia, glaucoma, a head injury, low
- blood pressure, or thyroid disease or if you have recently had a heart attack
- or have a heart condition.
- * If this drug makes you dizzy or light-headed, do not take part in any
- activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
- potentially dangerous machinery. Be especially careful when going up and down
- stairs.
- * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
- to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
- * Tolerance to this medication may develop within one to three months.
- If it seems to lose its effectiveness, contact your doctor.
- * You should not discontinue use of nitroglycerin unless you first
- consult your doctor. Stopping the drug abruptly may lead to further chest
- pain. Your doctor may, therefore, want to decrease your dosage gradually.
- * While taking this medication, do not take any over-the-counter
- (nonprescription) asthma, allergy, sinus, cough, cold, or diet preparations
- unless you first check with your doctor or pharmacist. Some of these drugs
- decrease the effectiveness of nitroglycerin.
- * Nitroglycerin is highly flammable. Do not use it in places where it
- might be ignited.
- * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. The safety of this
- drug during pregnancy has not been determined. Although this drug appears to
- be safe, extensive studies in pregnant women have not yet been conducted.
- Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. It is not known
- whether nitroglycerin passes into breast milk.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-