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February 9, 2012

nitroglycerin, Nitro-Bid, Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat, Transderm-Nitro, Minitran, Deponit, Nitrol

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GENERIC NAME: nitroglycerin, nitroglycerin translingual, nitroglycerin transdermal, nitroglycerin intravenous, nitroglycerin topical

BRAND NAMES: Nitrostat, Nitroquick, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Minitran, Nitro-Bid and others

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Nitroglycerin belongs to a class of drugs called nitrates. Other nitrates include isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, Ismo, Monoket). Nitroglycerin is used in the management of angina pectoris (heart pain). Synthesized in 1846, nitroglycerin was first used to treat anginal attacks in 1879. It was granted FDA approval in 1938.

Blood returning from the body in the veins must be pumped by the heart through the lungs and into the arteries against the high pressure in the arteries. In order to accomplish this work, the heart's muscle must produce and use energy ("fuel"). The production of energy requires oxygen. Angina pectoris (angina) or "heart pain" is due to an inadequate flow of blood (and oxygen) to the muscle of the heart. It is believed that all nitrates, including nitroglycerin, correct the imbalance between the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart and the work that the heart must do by dilating (widening) the arteries and veins in the body. Dilation of the veins reduces the amount of blood returning to the heart so that the heart does less work and requires less blood and oxygen. Dilation of the arteries also lowers the pressure in the arteries against which the heart must pump. As a consequence, the heart works less and requires less blood and oxygen.

Additionally, in patients with angina, nitroglycerin preferentially dilates blood vessels that supply the areas of the heart where there is not enough oxygen thereby delivering oxygen to the heart tissue that needs it most.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes (for some dosage forms)

PREPARATIONS:

  • Tablets: 0.3, 0.4, 0.6 mg;
  • Capsules: 2.5, 6.5, 9 mg; Spray: 0.4 mg/spray;
  • Transdermal Patch: 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 mg/hour;
  • Ointment: 2%;
  • Injection: 100, 200, 400 mcg/ml;
  • Injection solution: 5 mg/ml.

STORAGE: All formulations should be kept at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86 F). The sublingual tablets are especially susceptible to moisture. They should NOT be kept in bathrooms or kitchens because of the greater moisture in these rooms. Care should be taken to replace the sublingual tablets every six months.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Nitroglycerin is used for the treatment and prevention of angina caused by coronary artery disease. Transdermal nitroglycerin, nitroglycerin ointment and capsules do not act rapidly enough to be used for acute angina attacks. Nitroglycerin also is used intravenously to treat congestive heart failure associated with myocardial infarction (heart attack) and high blood pressure during surgery.

DOSING: For the treatment of acute angina attacks or for acute prevention (for example, immediately before encountering situations likely to bring on an anginal attack), one tablet is allowed to dissolve under the tongue or in the buccal pouch (between the cheek and gums), or one spray is given of the lingual spray. Sublingual, spray and buccal nitroglycerin are rapidly absorbed from the lining of the mouth for immediate effects. This may be repeated every 5 minutes as needed. If angina is not relieved after a total of 3 doses, the patient should be taken to a hospital or a physician should be contacted. If lingual spray is used, the canister of spray should not be shaken prior to use, and it should be sprayed onto or under the tongue and then the mouth closed.




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Suggested Reading on nitroglycerin, Nitro-Bid, Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat, Transderm-Nitro, Minitran, Deponit, Nitrol by Our Doctors

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nitroglycerin, Nitro-Bid, Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat, Transderm-Nitro, Minitran, Deponit, Nitrol

What is scleroderma?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue featuring skin thickening, spontaneous scarring, blood vessel disease, varying degrees of inflammation, associated with an overactive immune system. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses which occur when the body's tissues are attacked by its own immune system. Scleroderma is characterized by the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the skin and organs of the body. This leads to thickness and firmness of involved areas. Scleroderma, when it's diffuse or widespread over the body, is also referred to as systemic sclerosis.

The cause of scleroderma is not known. Researchers have found some evidence that certain genes are important factors, but the environment seems to also play a role. The result is activation of the immune system in a susceptible individual, causing injury to tissues that result in injury similar to scar-tissue formation. The fact that genes seem to cause a predi...

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