Admin Table of Contents
Does nitroglycerin stop heart attacks?
It may not stop the heart attack, but it could lessen the damage by thinning the blood and breaking up clots. Take nitroglycerin for chest pain if you have a prescription. Unlock the door so the paramedics can get in.
When should I take nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin comes as a sublingual tablet to take under the tongue. The tablets is usually taken as needed, either 5 to 10 minutes before activities that may cause attacks of angina or at the first sign of an attack.
What happens if you take nitroglycerin when not needed?
Nitroglycerin sublingual tablet is used for short-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed. If you don’t take it at all: If you don’t take this drug at all, you may have severe chest pain.
How long does a nitro pill last?
Keep your nitroglycerin in the container it came in and tightly closed. Do not open your sublingual nitroglycerin until you need a dose. Replace your tablets every 3 to 6 months. A nitroglycerin spray may last up to 2 years before it expires.
When to not give nitroglycerin?
You should not use sublingual nitroglycerin if you have: severe anemia (low red blood cells); a head injury, brain tumor, or increased pressure inside the skull; or circulation problems or shock (pale skin, cold sweat, fast or irregular heartbeats, sudden weakness or feeling like you might pass out).
When should you take nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin is usually taken at the first sign of chest pain. You may use nitroglycerin sublingual within 5 to 10 minutes before an activity you think might cause chest pain. Try to rest or stay seated when you take nitroglycerin (may cause dizziness or fainting).
What happens if you take nitroglycerin?
Taking nitroglycerin when not needed can lead to severe headaches for one. It also could lead to an unsafe drop in blood pressure and can cause tachycardia which is a rapid heart rate, palpitations and fainting.
How does nitroglycerin affect the heart rate?
More serious side effects include flushing of the head and neck can occur with nitroglycerin therapy as can an increase in heart rate or palpitations. This can be associated with a drop in blood pressure which can be accompanied by dizziness or weakness.