Glyceryl Trinitrate

Question 1

What type of drug is glyceryl trinitrate?

Answer 1

vasodilator

Question 2

Glyceryl Trinitrate Presentation

Answer 2

Sublingual spray of 400mcg per metered dose

Sublingual tablets of 2,3 or 5mg

Question 3

Glyceryl Trinitrate Indications

Answer 3

cardiac chest pain due to angina or MI

Systolic blood pressure is above 90mmHg

Acute heart failure with ischaemia or uncontrolled hypertension

potential cocaine toxicity

Question 4

GTN actions

Answer 4

dilation of coronary arteries
dilation of systemic veins = lower pre load =
reduced blood pressure

Question 5

GTN cautions

Answer 5

patients with suspected posterior MI or right ventricular infarction

nozzle of spray must not come into contact with patient’s mouth

Question 6

GTN contraindications

Answer 6

Hypotension - less than 90mmHg systolic in angina and MI & less than 110mmHg in heart failure

Hypovolaemia

Head trauma

Cerebral haemorrhage

Viagra and other related drugs

Unconscious patients

known severe aortic or mitral stenosis

Question 7

GTN side effects

Answer 7

Headaches
dizziness
Hypotension

Question 8

When should GTN tablets be discarded?

Answer 8

after 8 weeks

Question 9

GTN Route

Answer 9

Sublingual - under patients tongue

Question 10

GTN Dosage and administration in MI and Angina

Answer 10

Systolic <90mmHg

initial and repeat doses the same

dose interval 5-10 mins

Question 11

Max dosages of GTN in acute heart failure where systolic bp is >110mmHg

Answer 11

6 sprays (2.4mg)
6 x 300mcg tablets (1.8mg)
3 x 500mcg tablets (1.5mg)
3 x 600mcg tablets (1.8mg)