Type of medicine: vasodilator
Generic and brand names: nitrates, topical; nitroglycerin, ointment; nitroglycerin, topical; Nitro-Bid
This medicine is used to help prevent attacks of chest pain (angina). It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
It comes in the form of an ointment that you apply to your skin.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. The medicine comes with patient instructions. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.
This ointment is for external use only. Do not take by mouth.
Use one of the ruled papers that come with the ointment to measure the dose. Using the paper, spread a thin layer of ointment about the size of the paper over a clean, dry area of skin on the upper body where there is little or no hair. Avoid injured, irritated, calloused, or scarred skin. Do not rub the ointment into the skin. Tape the paper in place over the ointment to protect your clothing. Try not to get the ointment on your fingers. Wash your hands well after use. Remove the paper and clean the area before you apply the next dose. Use a different site each day to prevent skin irritation.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. If it is almost time to put on your next dose, wait until then to apply the ointment and skip the dose you missed. Do not apply extra ointment to make up for the missed dose.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: severe headache, confusion, fast or pounding heartbeat, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, fainting.
Do not take sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio), vardenafil (Levitra), or tadalafil (Cialis) while you are taking this medicine. Using these medicines together may cause severe or life-threatening low blood pressure.
Do not stop using this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Stopping this medicine suddenly may bring on attacks of chest pain.
You may have a headache for a short time after you start using this medicine. Treat headaches with aspirin or acetaminophen as directed by your healthcare provider. If the headaches continue or become severe, contact your provider.
You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may lessen this reaction. Alcohol may increase this reaction. Do not drink alcohol unless your healthcare provider approves.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or lab tests, tell the healthcare provider you are using this medicine. The patch may need to be removed before certain tests or procedures such as MRIs.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat), increased chest pain, slow heart beat.
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe headache, blurred vision, blue lips or fingernails, fainting, severe dizziness.
Other: Dizziness, flushing, short headache, rapid pulse, redness or itching where you put the medicine, dry mouth, nausea.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine without your healthcare provider’s approval.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Do not refrigerate.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
