Nitroglycerin is a prescription medication used to prevent angina (chest pain) symptoms caused by coronary artery disease. It may also be used to reduce symptoms of an angina attack that is already happening. Nitroglycerin is administered in a number of ways. It can be prescribed as a sublingual tablet, powder, or extended-release tablet. It may also be prescribed as a topical gel or ointment.

It is important to note that nitroglycerin is not a cure for angina symptoms. Instead, it helps prevent their occurrence, while helping patients manage them when they do flare up.

Nitroglycerin is used for the prevention and treatment of angina (chest pain) symptoms caused by coronary artery disease. While it cannot cure this disease, it can help patients manage pain and discomfort.

Angina is chest pain that is caused by a lack of oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart. Angina is not a condition, instead, it is a symptom of coronary artery disease or clogged blood vessels that go to and from the heart. Angina is common, but hard to differentiate from other types of chest pain (such as indigestion).

Common symptoms of angina include:

• Pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest
  
• Pain in arms, neck, shoulders, or back
  
• Dizziness
  
• Fatigue
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Excessive sweating
  
• Abdominal pain
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  

Nitroglycerin has been shown to cause some side effects. If these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days, talk to your health care provider.

Common side effects caused by taking nitroglycerin include:

• Flushing
  
• Dizziness
  
• Lightheadedness
  
• Redness and irritation (if applied to the skin)
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms such as a change in your heartbeat, chest pain, fainting, rash, hives, or difficulty breathing.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.

The exact dosage of prazosin prescribed will depend on the strength of the medication and the type of medication prescribed.

Topical nitroglycerin: Topical nitroglycerin should not be rubbed into the skin. Instead, apply a thin layer of medicated ointment or gel to an area of skin that has no hair, and no cuts or scrapes. If you have previously applied topical nitroglycerin to that area, wash the skin first, then apply the new layer (this helps improve the efficacy of the medication).

Oral nitroglycerin: Sublingual nitroglycerin tablets are meant to be used when you feel the early signs of chest tightness and pain. Place one tablet under the tongue and you should begin to feel symptoms subside within 1 to 5 minutes. If the pain persists, take another tablet and wait 5 minutes. If you still feel chest pain after 3 tablets, talk to a health care professional immediately. Do not drive to the hospital. Instead, call 911 right away.

Nitroglycerin is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not nitroglycerin is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for nitroglycerin to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.