NITROGLYCERIN Flashcards
1
Q
NITROGLYCERIN
Class?

A
- Anti-anginal agent/vascular dilating agent
2
Q
NITROGLYCERIN
Indications?

A
- Chest pain, anginal pain
3
Q
NITROGLYCERIN
Contraindications?

A
- Hypersensitivity
- Hypotension
- Pericardial tamponade
- Increased intra-cranial pressure
- Hypovolemia/severe anemia
4
Q
NITROGLYCERIN
Drug Interaction?

A
- Increased hypotension with beta-adrenergic blockers, antihypertensives, calcium channel blockers, and phenothiazines
- Tricyclic antidepressants and antihistamines may interefere with buccal absorption
- Can cause a lethal drop in blood pressure with patients taking ED medications
5
Q
NITROGLYCERIN
Administration?

A
- Adult: must be patient with own Nitro
- Sublingual: [0.3-0.4 mg] tablets. Repeat at 3-5 minutes as needed to a total of 3 tabs (with MCEP order)
- Lingual spray: [0.4 mg] metered dose, sprayed directly under tongue: additional one or two sprays every 3-5 mins for a total of 3 sprays.
- Pediatric: not recommended for pre-hospital use
6
Q
NITROGLYCERIN
Special Notes?

A
- Common side effects may include: throbbing headache, flushing, dizziness, and burning under the tongue (if these side effects are noted, the pills may be assumed potent, not outdated)
- Less common effect: marked hypotension, particulary orthostatic
- Generalized vasodilation may cause profound hypotension and reflex tachycardia
- NTG tablets lose potency easily and should be stored in a dark glass and in a dark room; NTG spray does not have this problem
- Use only with medical control on patients with systolic BP below 100 mmHg, HR > 60 or < 140