Nitroglycerin Uses

Nitroglycerin is used to treat and prevent chest pain (also called an angina attack) that can occur in people with coronary heart disease (narrowing of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply the heart). In addition, nitroglycerin ointment may be applied inside the anus to relieve chronic pain caused by anal fissures. 

There may be other uses of nitroglycerin. Your healthcare professional or pharmacist can give you further information.

Nitroglycerin Mechanism of Action

Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator. It is metabolized in the body to nitric oxide, which is a chemical that relaxes the blood vessels and makes them wider. This causes increased blood flow to the heart muscle in patients experiencing angina pectoris. Nitroglycerin therefore relieves sudden chest pain caused by coronary heart disease by sending more blood to the heart muscle. 

When nitroglycerin ointment is applied in the anus, the drug works by relaxing the smooth muscle in the area. This reduces pressure and pain caused by anal fissures.

Nitroglycerin Doses

Sublingual nitroglycerin is available as a 0.3 mg, 0.4 mg, or 0.6 mg nitroglycerin tablet (brand name Nitrostat) or a 400-mcg sublingual spray (brand name Nitrolingual). The usual dose is 0.3 to 0.6 mg tablet or 1-2 sprays of the nitroglycerin spray every 5 minutes during an angina attack. The nitroglycerin aerosol or sublingual tablet should be used for a maximum of 3 times in 15 minutes.

Nitroglycerin capsule (brand name Nitro-Time) is available in doses of 2.5 mg, 6.5 mg, and 9 mg. The usual dose is 2.5 mg to 6.5 mg 3-4 times a day.

Nitroglycerin patches (Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid) are designed to release the medication over a period of time. You should apply one nitroglycerin patch to your skin once a day in the morning.

The topical ointment (brand name Rectiv) is available in a strength of 0.4%. Apply 1 inch of the nitroglycerin ointment inside your anus every 12 hours or as directed by your doctor for relief from anal fissure pain.