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| Pronunciation |
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 (nye
troe GLI ser
in) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Deponit® Patch; Minitran™ Patch;
Nitrek® Patch; Nitro-Bid® Ointment; Nitrodisc® Patch;
Nitro-Dur® Patch; Nitrogard® Buccal; Nitroglyn® Oral;
Nitrolingual® Pumpspray; Nitrol® Ointment; Nitrong®
Oral Tablets; Nitrostat® Sublingual; Transdermal-NTG® Patch;
Transderm-Nitro® Patch; Tridil®
Injection |
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| Foreign Brand
Names |
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| Cardinit (Mexico); Nitradisc (Mexico);
Nitroderm-TTS®
(Mexico) |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Vasodilator |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to organic nitrates, isosorbide, nitroglycerin,
or any other part of the medicine.
- If you have an allergy to adhesive and are going to use a patch
product on the skin.
- If you have any of the following conditions: Closed-angle glaucoma,
head trauma, bleeding into the brain, severe anemia.
- If you are taking sildenafil
(Viagra®).
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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- This medicine is used to prevent or reduce chest pain from the heart.
This is called angina.
- It can reduce symptoms of a weakened heart (fluid build up, shortness
of breath) when used in combination with another agent called hydralazine. When
used in this combination, it lengthens life in patients with heart
failure.
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| How does it work? |
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- Nitroglycerin relaxes the pipes (veins) that take blood to the heart.
This takes some of the stress off of the heart and helps nutrients (oxygen and
others) get to the heart.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Sublingual (under the tongue):
- Sit down and place the tablet under your tongue.
- Wait 5 minutes. If chest pain or pressure is still present, put
another tablet under your tongue. If chest pain or pressure is still present
after 5 minutes, place another tablet under your tongue. Call 911 or arrange for
a ride to the hospital. Do not drive yourself.
- Oral:
- Take oral form on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before meals or 2
hours after meals.
- Swallow sustained-release form whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
- Take with a full glass of water unless fluids are restricted by
healthcare provider.
- Ointment:
- Use the applicator or dose-measuring paper to spread in a thin layer
over a 2x3 inch area. Apply to your chest or back.
- Wash your hands if you get any medicine on them.
- Patch:
- Apply at a similar time each day.
- Apply to a site free of hair.
- Follow directions provided with
patch.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
- Take tablet on an as needed basis for chest
pain.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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- Wear disease medical alert identification for heart disease.
- Do not use with sildenafil (Viagra®).
The combination is dangerous and has resulted in death.
- Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, liquor). May increase dizziness.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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- Lightheaded. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that
require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
- Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or
lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help. This usually goes away after
taking the medicine regularly for a week or so.
- Flushing.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Check for chest pain.
- Check blood pressure
periodically.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Severe headache.
- If chest pain or pressure that lasts more than 15 minutes, go to the
hospital.
- Increased frequency, duration, or intensity of chest pain.
- Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- No improvement in condition or feeling
worse.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.
- Store sublingual tablet in its original container. Protect from
moisture. Once opened, replace every 6
months.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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