Nitroglycerin Tablets, Capsules, and Sprays

Nitro-Bid®; Nitrocine®; Nitroglyn®; Nitrolingual®; Nitrong®; Nitrostat® Logo

Brand name(s): Nitro-Bid®; Nitrocine®; Nitroglyn®; Nitrolingual®; Nitrong®; Nitrostat®

How should this medicine be used?

Nitroglycerin comes as a sublingual tablet, buccal tablet, extended-release (long-acting) capsule, or spray to be used orally. The buccal extended-release tablets and the extended-release tablets and capsules are usually taken three to six times a day. Do not crush, chew, or divide the extended-release tablets or capsules. The sublingual tablet and spray are used as needed to relieve chest pain that has already started or to prevent pain before activities known to provoke attacks (e.g., climbing stairs, sexual activity, heavy exercise, or cold weather). The buccal extended-release tablets also may be used during an attack and just before situations known to provoke attacks. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take nitroglycerin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Nitroglycerin controls chest pain but does not cure it. Continue to use nitroglycerin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking nitroglycerin without talking to your doctor. Stopping the drug abruptly may cause chest pain.

Nitroglycerin can lose its effectiveness when used for a long time. This effect is called tolerance. If your angina attacks happen more often, last longer, or are more severe, call your doctor.

If you are using the buccal extended-release tablet, place the tablet between your cheek and gum and allow it to dissolve. Do not chew or swallow it. If you feel dizzy, sit down after placing the tablet in your mouth. Try not to swallow saliva until the tablet dissolves. Buccal extended-release tablets start to work within 2-3 minutes. To make the tablet dissolve faster, touch it with your tongue before placing it in your mouth or drink a hot liquid. If an attack occurs while you have a buccal extended-release tablet in place, place a second tablet on the opposite side of your mouth. If chest pain persists, use sublingual tablets, call for emergency assistance, or go to a hospital emergency department immediately.

If you are taking nitroglycerin sublingual tablets or spray for acute chest pain, you should carry the tablets and spray with you at all times. Sit down when an acute attack occurs. The drug starts to work within 2 minutes and goes on working for up to 30 minutes. If you are taking nitroglycerin tablets and your chest pain is not relieved within 5 minutes, take another dose. If you are using nitroglycerin spray and your chest pain is not relieved in 3-5 minutes, repeat the process. Call for emergency assistance or go to a hospital emergency department if pain persists after you have taken three tablets (at 5-minute intervals) or have used three sprays (at 3-5 minute intervals) and 15 minutes have passed.

To use the tablets, place a tablet under your tongue or between your cheek and gum and allow it to dissolve. Do not swallow the tablet. Try not to swallow saliva too often until the tablet dissolves.

To use the spray, follow these steps:

• Do not shake the drug container. Hold it upright with the opening of the spray mechanism as close as possible to your opened mouth.
• Press the spray mechanism with your forefinger to release the spray. Spray the drug onto or under your tongue and close your mouth immediately. Do not inhale or swallow the spray.

Last Revised: 02/01/2004

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