Nitroglycerin is primarily used to treat and prevent chest pain (angina) caused by coronary artery disease by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow to the heart[1][2][5][6]. It is also indicated for the management of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), severe hypertension (high blood pressure), and acute coronary artery spasms[1][3]. Additionally, nitroglycerin may be prescribed to treat chronic anal fissures, where it relaxes the anal sphincter and enhances blood flow to promote healing[3][4].
Nitroglycerin comes in various formulations and can be administered:
- Sublingually (under the tongue) as tablets or sprays for rapid relief of angina attacks
- Orally as extended-release capsules to help prevent angina episodes
- Transdermally as skin patches for continuous angina prophylaxis
- Intravenously in hospital settings for acute situations like heart attack or hypertensive emergencies
- Topically or rectally as ointment for the treatment of anal fissures
References
- [1] Nitroglycerin (medication) – Wikipedia
- [2] Nitroglycerin Extended-Release Capsules | Cleveland Clinic
- [3] Nitroglycerin: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action | DrugBank
- [4] Nitroglycerin: Uses, dosage, side effects, risks, and more | Medical News Today
- [5] Nitroglycerin: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing | WebMD
- [6] Nitroglycerin Sublingual: MedlinePlus Drug Information