NITRATES (NITROGLYCERINE)

Nitrate derivatives

Long-term action: nitroglycerine [Nitro-dur ™, Minitran™], isosorbide mononitrate [Imdur™]

Short-term action: nitroglycerin vaporiser [Nitrolingual pump™]

Nitrates are molecules that help expand the blood vessels, causing a decrease in blood pressure. They are mainly used to reduce angina or to treat high blood pressure. It is important to mention that the long-term action molecules are used to treat the two health problems while the nitroglycerin vaporiser (short-term) is an emergency medication used to help patients suffering with angina.

The nitro patch is placed on the skin in the morning or in the evening and must be removed twelve hours later. A twelve-hour period without the patch is necessary for the medication to be most effective.

Isosorbide mononitrate is usually taken once per day.

The vaporiser is used when angina pains are present. One vaporisation shot under the tongue ever five minutes for a maximum of three times. If the pain is not relieved after one or two shots, you must go to the hospital.

The most frequent side effects are dizziness and headaches.