nitroglycerin topical (Rx)

Brand and Other Names:Nitrol, Nitro Bid, more...NitroBid Topical, glyceryl trinitrate topical, Topical Nitroglycerin

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

ointment

  • 2%

Angina Pectoris (Long-Term Prophylaxis)

0.5-2 inches applied in am and 6 hours later to truncal skin

Congestive Heart Failure

1.5 inches, increase by 0.5-1 inch up to 4 inches, q4hr

Safety and efficacy not established

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Interactions

Interaction Checker

and nitroglycerin topical

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    Contraindicated

      Serious - Use Alternative

        Significant - Monitor Closely

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            Contraindicated (11)

            • avanafil

              nitroglycerin topical, avanafil. Mechanism: additive vasodilation. Contraindicated. Potentially fatal hypotension.

            • bromocriptine

              bromocriptine decreases effects of nitroglycerin topical by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.

            • cabergoline

              cabergoline decreases effects of nitroglycerin topical by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.

            • dihydroergotamine

              dihydroergotamine decreases effects of nitroglycerin topical by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.

            • dihydroergotamine intranasal

              dihydroergotamine intranasal decreases effects of nitroglycerin topical by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.

            • ergoloid mesylates

              ergoloid mesylates decreases effects of nitroglycerin topical by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.

            • ergotamine

              ergotamine decreases effects of nitroglycerin topical by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.

            • methylergonovine

              methylergonovine decreases effects of nitroglycerin topical by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.

            • sildenafil

              nitroglycerin topical, sildenafil. Mechanism: additive vasodilation. Contraindicated. Potentially fatal hypotension.

            • tadalafil

              nitroglycerin topical, tadalafil. Mechanism: additive vasodilation. Contraindicated. Potentially fatal hypotension.

            • vardenafil

              nitroglycerin topical, vardenafil. Mechanism: additive vasodilation. Contraindicated. Potentially fatal hypotension.

            Serious - Use Alternative (5)

            • cabergoline

              nitroglycerin topical increases effects of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of increased SBP, angina pectoris.

            • ergoloid mesylates

              nitroglycerin topical increases effects of ergoloid mesylates by decreasing metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of increased SBP, angina pectoris.

            • ergotamine

              nitroglycerin topical increases effects of ergotamine by decreasing metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of increased SBP, angina pectoris.

            • lofexidine

              lofexidine, nitroglycerin topical. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration with other drugs that decrease pulse or blood pressure to mitigate risk of excessive bradycardia and hypotension.

            • methylergonovine

              nitroglycerin topical increases effects of methylergonovine by decreasing metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of increased SBP, angina pectoris.

            Monitor Closely (4)

            • arginine

              nitroglycerin topical, arginine. Mechanism: additive vasodilation. Use Caution/Monitor. Possible hypotension.

            • bretylium

              nitroglycerin topical, bretylium. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Each drug may cause hypotension.

            • bupivacaine implant

              nitroglycerin topical, bupivacaine implant. Either increases toxicity of the other by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Local anesthetics may increase the risk of developing methemoglobinemia when concurrently exposed to drugs that also cause methemoglobinemia.

            • tetracaine

              tetracaine, nitroglycerin topical. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Monitor for signs of methemoglobinemia when methemoglobin-inducing drugs are coadministered.

            Minor (3)

            • acetylcysteine

              acetylcysteine increases effects of nitroglycerin topical by Other (see comment). Minor/Significance Unknown. Comment: Acetylcysteine may enhance vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin.

            • acetylcysteine (Antidote)

              acetylcysteine (Antidote) increases effects of nitroglycerin topical by Other (see comment). Minor/Significance Unknown. Comment: Acetylcysteine may enhance vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin.

            • ethanol

              nitroglycerin topical, ethanol. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Possible hypotension.

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            Adverse Effects

            Frequency Not Defined

            Headache

            Hypotension

            Tachycardia

            Dizziness

            Lightheadedness

            Blurred vision

            Flushing

            Nausea/vomiting

            Nervousness

            Xerostomia

            Topical allergic reactions

            Serious

            • Methemoglobinemia (rare)
            • Syncope
            • Prolonged bleeding time
            • Exfoliative dermatitis
            • Unstable angina
            • Rebound hypertension
            • Thrombocytopenia
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            Warnings

            Contraindications

            Hypersensitivity to organic nitrates

            Recent use (within several days) of PDE-5 inhibitors (eg, avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil)

            Riociguat; coadministration may cause hypotension

            Cautions

            Use caution in alcohol use, increased ICP (head trauma, cerebral hemorrhage-potential contraindication), hyperthyroidism, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, increased IOP, hypotension, volume depletion, or low systolic BP

            Do not change brands unintentionally as not all are bioequivalent

            Treat drug-induced headache with aspirin or acetaminophen

            Provide nitrate-free interval (10-12 hr or overnight) to avoid development of tolerance

            Discontinue if blurred vision develops

            Do not apply with fingers; do not rub or massage

            Use supportive treatment in overdose

            Amplification of vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin by sildenafil can result in severe hypotension; time course and dose dependence of this interaction not studied; appropriate supportive care has not been studied, but seems reasonable to treat this as a nitrate overdose, with elevation of extremities and with central volume expansion

            Benefits of transdermal nitroglycerin in patients with acute myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure not established; if one elects to use nitroglycerin in these conditions, use careful clinical or hemodynamic monitoring to avoid hazards of hypotension and tachycardia

            Severe hypotension, particularly with upright posture, may occur with even small doses; use drug with caution in patients who may be volume depleted or who, for whatever reason, are already hypotensive; hypotension induced by therapy may be accompanied by paradoxical bradycardia and increased angina pectoris

            Nitrate therapy may aggravate angina caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

            Effect of therapy on exercise tolerance, although still observable, may become somewhat blunted; in industrial workers who have had long-term exposure to unknown (presumably high) doses of organic nitrates, tolerance clearly occurs; chest pains, acute myocardial infarction, and even sudden death have occurred during temporary withdrawal of nitrates from these workers, demonstrating existence of true physical dependence

            During nitrate-free intervals in some clinical trials, anginal attacks have been more easily provoked than before treatment, and patients have demonstrated hemodynamic rebound and decreased exercise tolerance; importance of these observations to routine, clinical use of transdermal nitroglycerin not known

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            Pregnancy & Lactation

            Pregnancy Category: C

            Lactation: not known whether the drug crosses into breast milk, use caution

            Pregnancy Categories

            A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

            B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

            C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

            D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

            X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

            NA: Information not available.

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            Pharmacology

            Mechanism of Action

            Organic nitrate which causes systemic venodilation, decreasing preload

            Cellular mechanism: nitrate enters vascular smooth muscle and converted to nitric oxide (NO) leading to activation of cGMP & vasodilation

            Relaxes smooth muscle via dose-dependent dilation of arterial and venous beds to reduce both preload and afterload, and myocardial O2 demand

            Also improves coronary collateral circulation

            Lower BP, increase HR, occasional paradoxical bradycardia

            Pharmacokinetics

            Half-Life elimination: 1-4 min

            Antianginal effects: 30 min

            Hemodynamic effects: Within 1 hr

            Duration antianginal effects: Up to 7 hr (topical)

            Hemodynamic effects: 3-6 hr

            Peak Plasma Time: 3-4 hr

            Protein Bound: 60%

            Vd: 3 L/kg

            Metabolism: Mainly in liver, extrahepatic sites: vascular wall, RBC

            Metabolites: 1,3-glyceryl dinitrate, 1,2-glyceryl dinitrate, and glyceryl mononitrate (inactive)

            Clearance: 5.5-11 L/min

            Excretion: Urine

            Dialyzable: No

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            Images

            BRAND FORM. UNIT PRICE PILL IMAGE
            Nitro-Time oral
            -
            9 mg capsule
            Nitro-Time oral
            -
            6.5 mg capsule
            Nitro-Time oral
            -
            2.5 mg capsule
            nitroglycerin sublingual
            -
            0.4 mg tablet
            nitroglycerin sublingual
            -
            0.4 mg tablet
            nitroglycerin sublingual
            -
            0.6 mg tablet
            nitroglycerin sublingual
            -
            0.3 mg tablet
            nitroglycerin sublingual
            -
            0.6 mg tablet
            nitroglycerin sublingual
            -
            0.4 mg tablet
            nitroglycerin sublingual
            -
            0.3 mg tablet
            nitroglycerin sublingual
            -
            0.6 mg tablet
            nitroglycerin sublingual
            -
            0.6 mg tablet
            nitroglycerin sublingual
            -
            0.3 mg tablet
            nitroglycerin sublingual
            -
            0.4 mg tablet
            nitroglycerin sublingual
            -
            0.4 mg tablet
            nitroglycerin sublingual
            -
            0.4 mg tablet
            nitroglycerin sublingual
            -
            0.4 mg tablet
            Nitrostat sublingual
            -
            0.4 mg tablet
            Nitrostat sublingual
            -
            0.6 mg tablet
            Nitrostat sublingual
            -
            0.4 mg tablet
            Nitrostat sublingual
            -
            0.3 mg tablet
            Nitro-Bid transdermal
            -
            2 % ointment
            Nitro-Bid transdermal
            -
            2 % ointment
            Nitro-Bid transdermal
            -
            2 % ointment
            nitroglycerin transdermal
            -
            0.4 mg/hr transdermal system
            nitroglycerin transdermal
            -
            0.6 mg/hr transdermal system
            nitroglycerin transdermal
            -
            0.4 mg/hr transdermal system
            nitroglycerin transdermal
            -
            0.2 mg/hr transdermal system
            nitroglycerin transdermal
            -
            0.1 mg/hr transdermal system
            nitroglycerin transdermal
            -
            0.6 mg/hr transdermal system
            nitroglycerin transdermal
            -
            0.4 mg/hr transdermal system
            nitroglycerin transdermal
            -
            0.2 mg/hr transdermal system
            nitroglycerin transdermal
            -
            0.4 mg/hr transdermal system
            nitroglycerin transdermal
            -
            0.6 mg/hr transdermal system
            nitroglycerin transdermal
            -
            0.2 mg/hr transdermal system
            nitroglycerin transdermal
            -
            0.2 mg/hr transdermal system
            nitroglycerin transdermal
            -
            0.6 mg/hr transdermal system
            nitroglycerin transdermal
            -
            0.4 mg/hr transdermal system
            nitroglycerin transdermal
            -
            0.2 mg/hr transdermal system
            nitroglycerin transdermal
            -
            0.1 mg/hr transdermal system
            Nitro-Dur transdermal
            -
            0.3 mg/hr transdermal system
            nitroglycerin intravenous
            -
            50 mg/10 mL (5 mg/mL) vial
            nitroglycerin translingual
            -
            400 mcg/spray solution
            nitroglycerin translingual
            -
            400 mcg/spray solution
            nitroglycerin translingual
            -
            400 mcg/spray solution
            nitroglycerin translingual
            -
            400 mcg/spray solution
            nitroglycerin oral
            -
            2.5 mg capsule
            nitroglycerin oral
            -
            9 mg capsule
            nitroglycerin oral
            -
            6.5 mg capsule
            Nitrolingual translingual
            -
            400 mcg/spray solution
            Rectiv rectal
            -
            0.4 % (w/w) ointment
            Nitromist translingual
            -
            400 mcg/spray aerosol

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            Patient Handout

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            Patient Education
            nitroglycerin sublingual

            NITROGLYCERIN POWDER PACKET - SUBLINGUAL

            (NYE-troe-GLIS-er-in)

            COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Gonitro

            USES: This medication is used to relieve chest pain (angina) in people that have a certain heart condition (coronary artery disease). It may also be used before physical activities (such as exercise, sexual activity) to help prevent chest pain.Nitroglycerin belongs to a class of drugs known as nitrates. Angina occurs when the heart muscle is not getting enough blood. This drug works by relaxing and widening blood vessels so blood can flow more easily to the heart.

            HOW TO USE: Ask your doctor now for exact instructions on how to use your nitroglycerin and when to call for emergency medical help (911).Carefully read the Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using nitroglycerin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.If you are using this medication to relieve chest pain once it occurs, use it as soon as possible. If your chest pain has not improved or if it has worsened 5 minutes after you use this drug, call emergency medical help (911).Sit down before using this medication. Holding the packet upright and as close to your mouth as possible, tear open the packet and pour all of the powder under your tongue. Close your mouth right away and breathe normally through your nose. Let all of the powder dissolve before you swallow. Do not rinse your mouth or spit for 5 minutes after taking a dose.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. A dose of this medication may be either 1 or 2 packets. Follow your doctor's instructions about how many packets you should take for each dose. After you take your first dose of nitroglycerin powder, you may take 1 more packet every 5 minutes, if needed. Do not take more than 3 packets of nitroglycerin powder within 15 minutes.If you are using this medication to prevent chest pain before physical activities, use it 5 to 10 minutes before the activity.If this medication is used very often, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

            SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, flushing, and burning/tingling under the tongue may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Headache is often a sign that this medication is working. Your doctor may recommend treating headaches with an over-the-counter pain reliever (such as acetaminophen, aspirin). If the headaches continue or become severe, tell your doctor promptly.To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

            PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (such as isosorbide mononitrate); or to nitrites; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: recent head injury, anemia, low blood pressure, other heart problems (such as recent heart attack).This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication, especially dizziness and lightheadedness, which could increase the risk of falls.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk or if it may harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

            DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug are: drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction-ED or pulmonary hypertension (such as sildenafil, tadalafil), certain drugs to treat migraine headaches (ergot alkaloids such as ergotamine), riociguat, vericiguat.This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as blood cholesterol levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

            OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: slow heartbeat, vision changes, severe nausea/vomiting, sweating, cold/clammy skin, bluish fingers/toes/lips.

            NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

            MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.

            STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

            MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

            Information last revised October 2022. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.

            IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

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            Tier Description
            1 This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
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            Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.