Nitroglycerin (Glyceryl Trinitrate)
Pronunciation: (nye-troe-GLIS-er-in) (glih-SIR-uhl trye-NYE-trate).
- Generic name
- Nitroglycerin (Glyceryl trinitrate)
- Brand names
- Transiderm-Nitro, Nitrolingual, Nitrostat, Rectogesic, Nitro-Dur, Nitrocontin
- Drug class
- Nitrate vasodilator (Antianginal agent)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Nitroglycerin (Glyceryl trinitrate) is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Nitroglycerin (Glyceryl trinitrate) works
Nitroglycerin is converted to nitric oxide (NO) in vascular smooth muscle. NO activates guanylate cyclase, increasing cyclic GMP, which leads to smooth muscle relaxation. This results in venodilation (reducing preload) and, at higher doses, arterial dilation (reducing afterload), thereby decreasing myocardial oxygen demand and improving coronary blood flow. (1)
What Nitroglycerin (Glyceryl trinitrate) is used for
Angina pectoris (chest pain)
Angina pectoris (chest pain) (1)
Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) (1)
Congestive heart failure
Congestive heart failure (1)
Hypertensive crisis
Hypertensive crisis (1)
Before taking Nitroglycerin (Glyceryl trinitrate)
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Absolute contraindications include hypersensitivity to nitrates, concurrent use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors, severe anemia, increased intracranial pressure, and recent head trauma. (Contraindication) (1)
Tell your clinician about
(1)How to take Nitroglycerin (Glyceryl trinitrate)
- General Instructions: Take nitroglycerin exactly as prescribed. For chest pain, place the sublingual tablet under your tongue and allow it to dissolve. Do not chew or swallow the tablet.. Adult Dosing: For acute angina: 0.3–0.6 mg sublingually every 5 minutes as needed, up to 3 doses in 15 minutes. For prevention: follow your provider's instructions for patches, ointment, or oral forms.. Pediatric Dosing: Not routinely recommended for children. Use only under specialist supervision.. Administration: Sit down before taking to reduce risk of dizziness or fainting. For patches or ointment, apply to clean, dry, hairless skin as directed. Wash hands after application.. When To Stop: Do not stop using nitroglycerin suddenly if you have been using it regularly. Consult your doctor for a safe discontinuation plan.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep sublingual tablets in their original container and tightly closed.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)
Missed dose
If you miss a scheduled dose (for prevention), take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double up. For acute angina, use as needed for chest pain.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include severe headache, confusion, fainting, rapid heartbeat, and severe low blood pressure. Seek emergency medical attention or call your local poison control center immediately. (1)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Flushing
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hypotension
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Tachycardia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Syncope
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
Do not use with phosphodiesterase inhibitors (e — serious
Symptoms: Do not use with phosphodiesterase inhibitors (e.g., Viagra, Cialis, Levitra). May cause severe hypotension and syncope. Tolerance can develop with continuous use; follow dosing schedule. Use caution in elderly patients due to increased risk of falls. May mask symptoms of acute myocardial infarction.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Absolute contraindications include hypersensitivity to nitrates, concurrent use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors, severe anemia, increased intracranial pressure, and recent head trauma. Use caution in hypotension, hypovolemia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and in elderly patients due to increased risk of falls.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Nitroglycerin can interact with phosphodiesterase inhibitors (such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil), causing dangerous drops in blood pressure. It may also interact with antihypertensive medications, alcohol, and certain migraine drugs (ergot derivatives). Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
The FDA-approved label for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets does not assign a formal current pregnancy category (older labels used Pregnancy Category C). Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted; there is no adequate, well-controlled human safety data specific to nitroglycerin. It should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit (e.g., treating maternal angina or hypertensive emergency) justifies the potential risk to the fetus — this decision belongs to the prescriber. (1)
Breastfeeding
The FDA label reviewed for this page states there is no specific data on nitroglycerin transfer into human milk or its effects on a breastfed infant. A decision on use while breastfeeding should be made with the prescriber, weighing the mother's clinical need against any potential infant exposure. (1)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. (1)
Renal_impairment
The FDA label reviewed for this page does not give separate dosage adjustments for renal or hepatic impairment. Nitroglycerin is cleared mainly by rapid hepatic and blood metabolism (plasma clearance far exceeds hepatic blood flow), and only a small fraction is renally excreted, so significant accumulation in organ impairment is not expected from the mechanism of clearance; the label nonetheless advises cautious, low-end initial dosing in elderly patients, who more often have reduced hepatic, renal, or cardiac function. (1)
Hepatic_impairment
The FDA label reviewed for this page does not give separate dosage adjustments for renal or hepatic impairment. Nitroglycerin is cleared mainly by rapid hepatic and blood metabolism (plasma clearance far exceeds hepatic blood flow), and only a small fraction is renally excreted, so significant accumulation in organ impairment is not expected from the mechanism of clearance; the label nonetheless advises cautious, low-end initial dosing in elderly patients, who more often have reduced hepatic, renal, or cardiac function. (1)
Monitoring
(1)Storage
Per the FDA label, store sublingual nitroglycerin tablets at 20-25 degrees C (68-77 degrees F), in the original glass container, tightly closed, protected from light and moisture, and do not transfer tablets to plastic or other containers, which can reduce potency. Discard and replace tablets per the label's stated shelf-life after the container is first opened.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Angina pectoris (chest pain)
Dose summary: Initial dose of 0.3 to 0.6 mg sublingually as needed for angina; may repeat every 5 minutes for up to 3 doses in 15 minutes if pain persists. The FDA label does not differentiate the sublingual dose by patient organ function; dose is titrated to symptom relief and tolerability.
Renal context: Per the FDA label reviewed for this page, no dedicated renal-impairment dosage adjustment is specified for sublingual nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin's clearance is dominated by rapid hepatic/blood metabolism rather than renal excretion, so significant drug accumulation in renal impairment is not expected from its clearance mechanism; the label nonetheless advises cautious, low-end initial dosing in elderly patients (who more often have reduced renal function). (1)
Frequently asked questions
How quickly does nitroglycerin work for chest pain?
Sublingual nitroglycerin usually relieves chest pain within 1 to 5 minutes. If pain persists after one dose, you may repeat every 5 minutes for up to three doses. Seek emergency help if pain continues.
Can I use nitroglycerin daily to prevent chest pain?
Yes, certain forms (patches, ointments, extended-release tablets) are used daily for prevention. Your doctor will prescribe the best form and schedule for you.
What should I do if I experience a headache after taking nitroglycerin?
Headache is a common side effect and usually improves with continued use. If severe or persistent, contact your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to drive after taking nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin can cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
Can I use nitroglycerin with blood pressure medications?
Nitroglycerin may enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects of other antihypertensives. Your doctor may adjust your medications and monitor your blood pressure closely.
What should I do if my chest pain does not improve after using nitroglycerin?
If your chest pain does not improve after three doses taken 5 minutes apart, call emergency services immediately. This may be a sign of a heart attack.
How should I store nitroglycerin tablets?
Store nitroglycerin tablets in their original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not transfer them to other containers.
What happens if I take too much Nitroglycerin (Glyceryl trinitrate)?
Taking too much Nitroglycerin can lead to severe hypotension, flushing, headache, palpitations, and dizziness. In extreme cases, methemoglobinemia may occur. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to self-treat as this could be life-threatening.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Nitroglycerin (Glyceryl trinitrate)?
It is generally advised to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Nitroglycerin. Alcohol can exacerbate the vasodilatory effects of the medication, leading to a significant drop in blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting. This combination increases the risk of severe hypotension and associated complications.
Is Nitroglycerin (Glyceryl trinitrate) safe during pregnancy?
Nitroglycerin is categorized as a Pregnancy Category C medication. This means that animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits before using Nitroglycerin during pregnancy.
What is the mechanism of action of Nitroglycerin (Glyceryl trinitrate)?
Nitroglycerin is converted to nitric oxide (NO) in vascular smooth muscle. NO activates guanylate cyclase, increasing cyclic GMP, which leads to smooth muscle relaxation. This results in venodilation (reducing preload) and, at higher doses, arterial dilation (reducing afterload), thereby decreasing myocardial oxygen demand and improving coronary blood flow. (1)
What is the generic name of Nitroglycerin (Glyceryl Trinitrate)?
The generic name is Nitroglycerin (Glyceryl trinitrate). It is sold under brand names including Transiderm-Nitro, Nitrolingual, Nitrostat, Rectogesic, Nitro-Dur, Nitrocontin.
What class of drug is Nitroglycerin (Glyceryl trinitrate)?
Nitroglycerin (Glyceryl Trinitrate) is classed as: Nitrate vasodilator (Antianginal agent).
References
- Nitroglycerin - Prescribing InformationDailyMed · United States · accessed 2026-08-03 · source 1
- NITROGLYCERIN TABLET [REMEDYREPACK INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 2
- Nitroglycerin Spray — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- NITROGLYCERIN — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA NDA021134)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Nitroglycerin — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 4917)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Nitroglycerin (Glyceryl trinitrate) names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Nitrostat.4 mg, .6 mg, .3 mg · a-s medication solutions
- Glonoinum500 [hp_C], 15 [hp_C]5[hp_C], 6 [hp_X], 10 [hp_M], 12 [hp_C]2[hp_C], 6 [hp_C]/6[hp_C], 100 [hp_C], 30 [hp_C] · hahnemann laboratories, inc.
- Nitroglycerin In Dextrose10 mg00mL, 20 mg00mL, 40 mg00mL · propharma distribution
- nitroglycerin lingual400 ug · hf acquisition co llc, dba healthfirst
- NITRO-DUR20 mg, 120 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, 40 mg · ingenus pharmaceuticals, llc
- Nitroglycerin Transdermal Infusion System20 mg, 120 mg, 80 mg, 40 mg · dr. reddy's laboratories, inc.
- NITRO-TIME6.5 mg, 9 mg, 2.5 mg · time cap laboratories, inc
- NITRO-BID20 mg/g · savage laboratories a division of fougera pharmaceuticals, llc
- NITROLINGUAL400 ug · independence pharmaceuticals, llc
- Rectiv4 mg/g · allergan, inc.
Canada
- NITRO-DUR
- TRANSDERM-NITRO
- MINITRAN
- TRINIPATCH
- NITROJECT INJ
- NITROSTAT SLT
- NITROL (NITROGLYCERIN
- NITROLINGUAL PUMPSPRAY
- RHO-NITRO PUMPSPRAY
- MYLAN-NITRO