Question

What are the therapeutic actions, indications, and pharmacokinetics for nitroglycerin?

Answer 1

Nitroglycerine or glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) is a organic nitrate compound invented in 1947 and primarily used as primary ingredient in explosives such as dynamite. This compound also has significant medical utility in nitrate class of drugs

Indications: The primary indication for Nitroglycerine application is for coronary heart failure along with other indications such as high blood pressure, treatment and prevention of chest pain, anal fissures, angina, etc

Therapeutic actions: Nitroglycerine has therapeutic action in the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle function causing a venous and arterial dilation. Nitroglycerine reduces pre and after load in reduction of coronary artery spasm and also reduces the vascular resistance and plays an important role in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and management of the same

Pharmacokinetics for nitroglycerin: Nitroglycerine is a rapidly absorbing drug which is seen after sublingual dosage of nitrostat tablets to the patient. The pharmacokinetic in terms of maximun plasma concentration after initial administration occurs after 7 to 8 minutes after dosing. The effect of he nitroglycerine taken after sublingual dosing last for 5-10 minutes. The loner lasting nitroglycerine is taken for chest pain management, angina and blood pressure management and control. Nitroglcerine is not usually taken for a longer duration but it can be prescribed to prevent angina attacks and pain management.