NITROSTAT

Who is Nitrostat for ?

Nitroglycerin is used to prevent chest pain (angina). this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Nitroglycerin tablets also are used with other drugs to treat congestive heart failure and heart attacks. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Nitroglycerin works by relaxing the blood vessels to the heart, so the blood and oxygen supply to the heart is increased. Increasing blood and oxygen supply to the heart will help reduce chest pain.

When should I be careful taking Nitrostat ?

Before taking nitroglycerin,

• tell your doctor if you have low red blood cell counts (anemia), glaucoma, or recent head trauma.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nitroglycerin, isosorbide (Imdur, Isordil, Sorbitrate), or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin; beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), and timolol (Blocadren); calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem), felodipine (Plendil), isradipine (DynaCirc), nifedipine (Procardia), and verapamil (Calan, Isoptin); dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45); and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking nitroglycerin, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking nitroglycerin.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
• ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking nitroglycerin. Alcohol can make the side effects from nitroglycerin worse.

Side Effects

Side effects from nitroglycerin are common. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• rash
• dizziness
• upset stomach
• flushing (feeling of warmth)

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• blurred vision
• dry mouth
• chest pain
• fainting