Brand Name
Nitrostat
Common Name
nitroglycerin sublingual tablet
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 00037613 | NITROSTAT 0.3MG SUBLINGUAL TABLET |
| 00037621 | NITROSTAT 0.6MG SUBLINGUAL TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Nitroglycerin belongs to the class of medications called antianginals. Nitroglycerin sublingual (under the tongue) tablets are used to relieve acute attacks of angina (chest pain). This medication can also be used to prevent an acute attack if taken in advance of an activity that would normally cause an angina attack. Nitroglycerin relieves and prevents acute angina attacks by relaxing blood vessels and increasing the oxygen and blood supply to the heart.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
To use nitroglycerin sublingual tablets, place a tablet under your tongue at the first sign of an angina attack. The dose may be repeated twice with at least a 5-minute interval between each dose, or as directed by your doctor. If relief is still not obtained after 3 doses of nitroglycerin (i.e., 15 minutes), seek medical help immediately.
While using nitroglycerin sublingual tablets you should be resting, preferably in a sitting position.
As directed by your doctor, the sublingual (under the tongue) tablet may be used 5 to 10 minutes before engaging in activities that may cause angina.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Keep this medication away from moisture and out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
0.3 mg
Each small, round, white sublingual tablet, marked with "N" on one side and the number "3" on the other side, contains nitroglycerin 0.3 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium stearate, glyceryl monostearate, lactose monohydrate, pregelatinized starch, and silicon dioxide. Gluten-, paraben-, sodium-, sulfite-, and tartrazine-free.
0.6 mg
Each small, round, white sublingual tablet, marked with "N" on one side and the number "6" on the other side, contains nitroglycerin 0.6 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium stearate, glyceryl monostearate, lactose monohydrate, pregelatinized starch, and silicon dioxide. Gluten-, paraben-, sodium-, sulfite-, and tartrazine-free.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to nitroglycerin or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is allergic to other nitrates
- has extremely low blood pressure
- has increased eye pressure (glaucoma)
- has increased pressure within the head (e.g., after an accident)
- has severe anemia
People who use nitroglycerin regularly or intermittently should not use erectile dysfunction medications called PDE-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) because a life-threatening lowering of blood pressure can result.
