Glyceryl Trinitrate
About
Glyceryl Trinitrate comes into the category of medications known as 'anti-anginal medication', that is vasodilator in nature, Nitroglycerin (organic nitrate). Glyceryl Trinitrate is primarily indicated in preventing attacks of angina (chest pain) and treatment of angina due to coronary artery disease. Angina occurs when the heart does not get a sufficient amount of oxygen. When the heart does not get enough amount of oxygenated blood, then it is unable to function properly. If proper treatment is not provided at to right time, it can even cause heart attack, heart failure, or arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms).
Glyceryl Trinitrate contains Glyceryl Trinitrate, is a vasodilator in nature, works by relaxing the blood vessels and decreasing the demand for oxygen the heart requires. As a result, it reduces heart workload and prevents attacks of angina. The dose of Glyceryl Trinitrate may be required to increase after a certain time as Glyceryl Trinitrate develops tolerance after some time. Your doctor might increase your dose depending upon your condition, and please stick to the dosage schedule.
Glyceryl Trinitrate is taken with or without food in a dose and duration as advised by the doctor. You may experience common side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, insomnia, headache, vertigo/dizziness, weakness, heart palpitations, low blood pressure upon rising from a seated position, nausea and vomiting, sweating, paleness, fainting, and flushing (warm or red condition of your skin). Most of these side effects of Glyceryl Trinitrate are temporary, do not require medical attention, and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Consume only if the doctor prescribes you. Never encourage self-medication or suggest your medicine to someone else. You should not take Glyceryl Trinitrate if you are allergic to nitrates or any of its ingredients or are taking medication for hypertension, glaucoma, heart disease, erectile dysfunction, anaemia. Check with your doctor if you're pregnant, currently breastfeeding or taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medicines. Also, do not stop Glyceryl Trinitrate abruptly as it may lead to severe side-effects. Avoid alcohol consumption as it might lead to very low blood pressure.
Uses of Glyceryl Trinitrate
Medicinal Benefits
Glyceryl Trinitrate contains Glyceryl Trinitrate, is a vasodilator in nature, works by relaxing the blood vessels and decreasing the demand for oxygen the heart requires. As a result, it reduces heart workload and prevents attacks of angina. The dose of Glyceryl Trinitrate may be required to increase after a certain time as Glyceryl Trinitrate develops tolerance after some time. Your doctor might increase your dose depending upon your condition, and please stick to the dosage schedule.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Glyceryl Trinitrate
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Vertigo/dizziness
- Weakness
- Heart palpitations
- Low blood pressure upon rising from a seated position
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Paleness
- Fainting
- Flushing
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Glyceryl Trinitrate if you are allergic to nitrates or any of its ingredients. Inform your doctor about all other OTC medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. If you have a kidney, drink or have ever consumed large amounts of alcohol, have anaemia, or have a heart attack. Glyceryl Trinitrate should be taken with caution and only if a doctor prescribes you. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding before starting Glyceryl Trinitrate as a dose adjustment may be required if benefits outweigh the harm. Glyceryl Trinitrate may cause dizziness, light-headedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position, especially when you start taking Glyceryl Trinitrate so please get up gradually.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: This medicine may have an interaction with any medicines that are used to treat angina, heart failure, or an irregular heartbeat, anticoagulant medications (warfarin), anti-depressant medications (bupropion), migraine medicines (ergotamine), erectile dysfunction medication (alprostadil, avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil), blood thinners (aspirin), NSAIDs (naproxen, ibuprofen), and tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, desipramine, doxepin).
Drug-Food Interaction: Limit alcohol consumption and drinks containing caffeine.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have or ever had a myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, anaemia, hemodialysis (a procedure where a dialysis machine and a special filter called an artificial kidney), hypotension, intracranial pressure, pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and glaucoma.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConcomitant use of nitrates and alcohol may cause hypotension. So intake of Glyceryl Trinitrate should be avoided with Glyceryl Trinitrate.
Pregnancy
cautionGlyceryl Trinitrate is a pregnancy Category B medicine. It is not known whether Glyceryl Trinitrate will affect pregnant women or fetus or not. Hence, the intake of Glyceryl Trinitrate should be avoided if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant as it may harm the baby. Your doctor may give you if the benefits of Glyceryl Trinitrate overweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionSafety of Glyceryl Trinitrate is not known in breastfeeding women. So, Glyceryl Trinitrate should not be taken while breastfeeding.
Driving
unsafeGlyceryl Trinitrate can affect alertness and coordination. So, operating machinery which requires concentration should be avoided.
Liver
cautionGlyceryl Trinitrate to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionGlyceryl Trinitrate to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionThe safety and efficacy of Glyceryl Trinitrate in children have not been established. Glyceryl Trinitrate is not recommended in children unless given by a child specialist.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid alcoholic beverages with Glyceryl Trinitrate as it can make you dehydrated and may affect your sleep.
- Quit smoking as smoking increases the heart rate and the heart’s workload.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acid containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil.
- Eat a healthy balanced diet, include plenty of fluids, vegetables, proteins, fat-free, or low-fat dairy products. It will also help to reduce weight and lowers the risk of a heart attack.
- Regular exercise keeps heart and blood vessels in good condition, so an attack's chances are reduced. Also, use Glyceryl Trinitrate before exercise.
Special Advise
- Certain diagnostic tests like a Stress test, Echocardiogram, Nuclear stress test, Chest X-ray, Blood tests, and Coronary angiography, help in checking angina.
- Regular checkup with the doctor as you may develop tolerance to Glyceryl Trinitrate and the same dose may be less effective next time. Your doctor might increase your dose depending upon your condition, and please stick to the dosage schedule.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Angina: It is a pain in the chest and discomfort that keeps coming back as the heart does not get sufficient blood. In some cases, the pain and discomfort are also felt in the shoulders, neck, jaw, or back. Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease. Symptoms include squeezing, pressure, feeling of heaviness, tightness, and pain in the chest. Treatment includes lifestyle changes based on severity, angioplasty, surgery, or medications.
FAQs
Glyceryl Trinitrate should not be taken before doing any physical workout to prevent angina pain. A person should consult with the doctor to know the right time of taking Glyceryl Trinitrate.
Yes, Glyceryl Trinitrate can cause a headache. Please increase fluid intake as it is known to decrease headache when taking Glyceryl Trinitrate. If the problem persists, consult your doctor and do as advised.
Glyceryl Trinitrate is not advised in patients with severe anaemia, and one should tell their doctor if they have this condition.
A person who is already taking phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, such as avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil, should not consume Glyceryl Trinitrate as it may cause serious side effects in the body.
If you miss a dose of Glyceryl Trinitrate, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it’s almost time for the next dose, do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
It is suggested to take Glyceryl Trinitrate in the dose and duration as advised by the doctor. If you take it in more than the recommended dose, it might cause unpleasant side effects. If you think your symptoms are not improving, please consult your doctor.
A person should not take Glyceryl Trinitrate with your erectile dysfunction medication as it might trigger the blood pressure-lowering effect of Glyceryl Trinitrate. Consult your doctor for further advice.
A person should not stop taking Glyceryl Trinitrate without talking to your doctor. If they suddenly stop taking Glyceryl Trinitrate, then they may experience confusion, fever, mental state changes, or severe muscle stiffness. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually depending upon your disease condition.
Glyceryl Trinitrate should be kept in the original glass container and tightly capped after each use to prevent loss of tablet potency. Store Glyceryl Trinitrate tablets at room temperature.
