NITROGLICEROL

This medicine contains the active ingredient Glyceryl Trinitrate which belongs to a group of medicines called nitrate vasodilators. These medicines make blood vessels wider and enable the heart to get more blood more easily, and they also make easier for the heart to pump blood around the body. Glyceryl Trinitrate is prescribed for the treatment and prevention of angina (narrowing of coronary arteries).

Is Glyceryl Trinitrate suitable for me?

Glyceryl Trinitrate is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• If you are allergic to Glyceryl Trinitrate or other ingredients of this medicine
• If you have anemia.
• If you have increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma)
• If you have raised pressure in your head
• If you are taking sildenafil (Viagra) or similar medicines
• If you have severely low blood pressure.
• If you have constrictive pericarditis (a heart condition).
• If you have an extremely low heart rate.
• If you have glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase deficiency (an inherited enzyme deficiency)
• If you have a brain trauma or cerebral hemorrhage
• If you have circulatory collapse (a failure of blood circulation).
• If you have toxic pulmonary oedema (lung swelling/ fluid)

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• have liver or kidney problems.
•  Have an underactive thyroid gland.
• Have anemia or hypoxaemia

Glyceryl Trinitrate interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Glyceryl Trinitrate?

This medicine is available in form of a prolonged-release capsule and sublingual spray.

You should take Glyceryl Trinitrate exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. The dose will be prescribed according to your condition and needs.

• The usual dose for spray is one or two sprays under the tongue, and the maximum dose is three doses at one time.
• The usual dose for capsules in prevention of angina attacks is  2.5 to 9 mg taken every 8 to 12 hours. The usual dose for the relief of acute angina pectoris is 1 to 3 mg taken every 3 to 5 hours during waking hours.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose. Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Glyceryl Trinitrate  side effects?

Like all medicines Glyceryl Trinitrate  can cause side effects, including:

Very common:

• headache

Common:

• spinning sensation,
• fall in blood pressure
• dizziness,
• drowsiness
• weakness

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.