Nitroglycerin Tips from Pharmacists

• Sit down before taking nitroglycerin to prevent dizziness and lightheadedness due to low blood pressure.

• Do not chew, crush, or swallow a nitroglycerin sublingual tablet.

• Do not chew, crush, or open a nitroglycerin capsule.

• Headaches are a common side effect of nitroglycerin. Do not change the time you take your nitroglycerin to avoid headaches. This can cause the medicine to stop working well. If the headaches are bothersome, discuss treatment for the headaches or other treatments for chest pain with your doctor.

• Stand up slowly from a lying or sitting position, especially when you first start taking nitroglycerin or if you are an older adult (age 65+).

• Follow your doctor’s directions about when and how often to take nitroglycerin. Your doctor may ask you to avoid it for a 10-12 hour period to prevent tolerance. 

• Nitroglycerin will relieve your symptoms but will not cure your condition. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor first.