Indications
Nitrostat sublingual is a prescription medication used to treat chest pain (angina) in people with coronary artery disease. It can be used just before activities that may cause episodes of angina to prevent the angina from occurring.
Nitrostat contains nitroglycerin and is taken by placing the tablet under the tongue and allowing it to dissolve fully. Nitroglycerin belongs to a class of drugs known as nitrates. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels so blood can flow more easily to the heart.
Use and Dosage
Nitrostat comes in the form of sublingual tablets, which are designed to be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve completely. Avoid swallowing the tablet or chewing it. The tablet may take 1 to 5 minutes to provide relief, and if the chest pain is not relieved, a second tablet may be taken 5 minutes after the first tablet.
The recommended dosages of Nitrostat Sublingual may vary depending on the individual's condition and medical history and should be determined by a healthcare provider. However, the usual recommended doses of Nitrostat Sublingual for acute relief of angina pectoris is 0.3-0.6 mg sublingually every 5 minutes up to 3 times, to be used at the first sign of angina. For prophylaxis of angina pectoris, the recommended dose is one tablet sublingually, with a range of 5-10 minutes between tablets. The maximum recommended dose is 3 tablets in a 15-minute period.
Follow the instructions provided by your doctor or healthcare provider. If you have any concerns or questions about how to take Nitrostat sublingual tablets, you should consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Nitrostat Sublingual (Nitroglycerin Sublingual):
- Blurred vision
- Burning pain
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Flushing (sudden warmth redness or tingly feeling)
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Numbness
- Tingling
Serious Side Effects of Nitrostat Sublingual (Nitroglycerin Sublingual):
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain or pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Dry mouth
- Fluttering in the chest
- Hives
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder
- Pale skin
- Pounding heartbeats
- Severe or throbbing headaches that do not become less severe with continued use of nitroglycerin
- Slow heart rate
- Sweating
- Swelling of the face lips tongue or throat
- Vomiting
- Weakness
Forms and Strength
Nitrostat Sublingual (Nitroglycerin Sublingual) is available in the following forms and strength:
Nitrostat Sublingual: Sublingual Tablet
- 0.3 mg
- 0.6 mg
Nitroglycerin sublingual: Sublingual Tablet
- 0.4 mg
- 0.6 mg
Cautions
- Nitroglycerin is a potent medication that can lower blood pressure, so it should be used with caution in patients who may be hypotensive.
- Nitroglycerin can also cause headaches, dizziness, and lightheadedness, which can affect a patient's ability to perform tasks that require mental alertness or physical coordination.
- Patients should not take potent vasodilators, such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), or tadalafil (Cialis), while taking nitroglycerin, as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- Patients who have severe anemia, glaucoma, hypothyroidism, or liver disease may need special precautions or monitoring while taking nitroglycerin sublingual.
- Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should not be chewed, swallowed, or crushed and should be stored in the original glass container with the lid tightly closed to prevent degradation.
- Nitroglycerin can interact with other medications, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics, so healthcare professionals should be made aware of all medications the patient is taking.
- Patients with a history of head injury or cerebral hemorrhage should use Nitrostat sublingual with caution, as it may increase intracranial pressure.
- Nitroglycerin sublingual may not be effective in all cases of angina, and patients should not rely solely on Nitroglycerin sublingual to treat their symptoms. They should also follow their doctor's instructions regarding diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
- Nitroglycerin sublingual can cause severe allergic reactions in some patients, including anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, patients should inform their healthcare provider if they are allergic to nitroglycerin or any other medication.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use Nitrostat sublingual only if clearly needed and under the supervision of their healthcare provider because the safety of Nitroglycerin sublingual during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been established.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often can I take Nitrostat sublingual?
You should take Nitrostat sublingual as directed by your healthcare provider. Generally, you can take one tablet every 5 minutes as needed to relieve chest pain, but you should not exceed three tablets in 15 minutes.
Can Nitrostat sublingual be used to prevent angina?
Nitrostat sublingual is not indicated for the prevention of angina. It is used to treat acute episodes of angina.
Can Nitrostat sublingual be used for other conditions besides angina?
Nitrostat sublingual is not recommended for the treatment of conditions other than angina and should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Resources
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6929/nitrostat-sublingual/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601086.html
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/021134s005lbl.pdf
- https://www.drugs.com/nitrostat.html
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=79ba021e-183c-4b4d-822e-4ff5ef54ca61
- https://www.rxlist.com/nitroglycerin_sublingual/generic-drug.htm
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