Nitroglycerin

definition

Nitroglycerin is a prescription drug with the active ingredient glycerol trinitrate (also called nitroglycerin) and is used as a monopreparation.

application

Nitroglycerin is used for acute Angina attacks. These are heart attacks that result from an insufficient supply of the heart muscle with oxygen.
If an attack of angina pectoris is feared or has already occurred, one of the tablets is chewed, placed under the tongue or simply in the mouth. However, the tablet can be swallowed Notas they have the Oral mucosa must work!

Mode of action

In an attack of angina pectoris, nitroglycerin is given orally but must not be swallowed so that it is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

Nitroglycerin is made using the body's own sulfur groups Nitric oxide split off, leading to a relaxation of the smooth muscles leads. This leads to an expansion of the venous blood vessel system and the volume of blood flowing back to the heart and the filling pressure of the Chambers of the heart are reduced. This reduces both the energy and oxygen requirements of the Heart muscle.
In addition, nitroglycerin leads to a slight expansion of the Arteries and so to a reduced vascular resistance, so that the work of the heart also thereby facilitated becomes. Through this mechanism, nitroglycerin can become spasmodic Coronary arteries expand and so the Blood circulation improve the heart tissue again.

Contraindications

Not used may be nitroglycerin if one allergy against one of the ingredients of the medication or one of the following points applies to the patient to be treated:

  • severely decreased blood pressure
  • State of collapse due to low blood pressure and shock
  • Cardiac conduction disorders
  • decompensated heart failure (heart failure)
  • severe irregular heartbeat
  • Heart muscle diseases
  • Constriction in the heart valve area
  • Renal dysfunction
  • anemia (Anemia)

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

During the pregnancy the drug should not be used if possible. If there is no other way, the intake must be more strict medical control respectively.
Before taking the drug while breastfeeding, should weaned so that harm to the child can be avoided.

Please also read: Medication during pregnancy

Side effects

The following adverse drug effects may occur when taking nitroglycerin:

  • a headache
  • fatigue
  • dizziness
  • Visual disturbances
  • Flush syndrome (Reddening of the skin with sensation of heat)
  • Drop in blood pressure when standing up
  • Slight pulse acceleration
  • nausea
  • Vomit
  • collapse

Drug interactions

When taking nitroglycerin, undesirable interactions with other drugs can occur.

Taking nitroglycerin with the following medicines can result in undesirable or even dangerous situations Interactions come:

  • Vasodilators
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Beta blockers
  • Antihypertensive drugs
  • Diuretics
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Neuroleptics
  • Dihydroergotamine
  • Retard nitroglycerine preparations
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs

Warning notices

In order to avoid circulatory collapse while taking nitroglycerin, patients should take it after taking it lie and the Elevate your legs.
The Responsiveness decreased after taking nitroglycerin, so extreme caution should be exercised when driving and using machines.