Glyceryl Trinitrate

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Glyceryl Trinitrate was introduced many years ago back in 1870 and is one of the oldest medications still in regular use today. Glyceryl Trinitrate is know as a nitrate and belongs to a family of drugs know as vasodilators and is used to control and elevate the pain of angina. It comes in short acting forms such as sublingual tablets (dissolves when held beneath the tongue, permitting direct absorption of the active ingredient by the oral mucosa.) or buccal tablets (dissolves when held between the cheek and gum, permitting direct absorption of the active ingredient through the oral mucosa.) and spray. It is also available in long acting forms (Skin patches and slow-release tablets). The short acting forms work almost straight away in relieving the pain of angina. A severe attack of angina could warrant the use of glyceryl trinitrate by injection which is usually given in hospital it also has the added fact of controlling blood pressure.

An ointment preparation may be used to treat anal fissures. (a split in the anal skin, just inside the anus) extremely painful but not a dangerous condition. However, the use of glyceryl trinitrate 0.4% ointment (Rectogesicc) is not recommended for use within NHS Scotland for the relief of pain associated with chronic anal fissure. Anal fissures are most common in teenagers and young adults. It is possible to buy painkilling cream from your pharmacist and this kind of self help should not be continued for to long a time. See your doctor who may prescribe glyceryl trinitrate cream. Failing this you may need surgery.

It is also advisable to be sitting when the initial dose is taken as fainting may occur due to a sudden drop in blood pressure caused by the medication

Detailed Information

Quick Guide

• Antiangina with danger of overdose – MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES for injections, and NO to most preparations
• Available as generic – YES.
• Alcohol avoidance – YES.
• Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol as it may increase bout’s of dizziness due to the drugs ability of lowering blood pressure

Side Effects

You may if on this drug suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on glyceryl trinitrate will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Throbbing headache, dizziness.
Rare: Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, flushing, temporary hypoxaemia, rash.

It is possible to suffer angle-closure glaucoma, but this would be very rare indeed. Having said that, it is possible to suffer a variety of minor symptoms such as headache and flushing which should not cause to big a problem as relief from these symptoms can be controlled by adjusting the dose to suit the needs of the individual.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using this medication It does not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

As the body gets used to taking glyceryl trinitrate its effects may become weaker over a prolonged length of time, because of this timing of doses may be changed to prevent this from happening.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

It is possible to suffer dizziness and you would need to avoid these activities until you are aware how glyceryl trinitrate affects you. Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol as it may increase bout’s of dizziness due to the drugs ability of lowering blood pressure

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Because safety in pregnancy has not been established and it is not known whether the drug passes into the breast milk you should make your doctor aware if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast feeding. However, most manufacturers advise
avoid unless potential benefit outweighs the risks.

Glyceryl trinitrate is classified as a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category C… Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the foetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative.

Over 60’s & Children

There would be no special problems as far as the elderly are concerned. Glyceryl Trinitrate is not recommended for infants or children.

Overdose

An unintentional extra dose would be unlikely to cause you any problems. However, a large overdose could cause dizziness, severe headache, vomiting, fits or loss of consciousness. You should notify your doctor.

Other Medication Reactions

The hypotensive effects of glyceryl trinitrate may be significantly increased by sildenafil, these two drugs should not be used together. Lowered blood pressure or fainting may be increased should antihypertensive medication be taken with glyceryl trinitrate.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

You should make no attempt to stop taking this medication before discussing it with your doctor.

Effect Of Medication (one dose)

Sublingual, buccal tablets and spray can be felt within minutes. Patches, ointment and SR capsules within 1 – 2 hours.

Storage and Safety

• Keep medicine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach of children.
• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• Never take medication that has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not discard old or unwanted medication / drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all un-used or old medicines / drugs to your pharmacist.

If this medication has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or they feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.