Question

1) What causes Nitroglycerin to be inactive?

2) How often should the bottle Nitroglycerin be replaced?

3) What are side effects of Nitroglycerin and what types of safety precautions should be taken?

4) If Mr. Jones has an anginal attack how is Nitroglycerin supposed to be taken?

Answer 1

Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator drug it mainly dillates vein than arteries thus decreasing the venous return to heart and decreasing the preload

1. Nitroglycerin becomes inactive by frequent exposure to light and air it also becomes inactive by heat so bottles are generally dark coloured to protect from light and are stored in refrigerators

2. Generally nitroglycerin bottle should be replaced every 4 to 5 months

3. Side effects of nitroglycerins can be Nausea ; flushing; dizziness; headache; light headedness

Nitroglycerin are administered by sublingual route so it is better to avoid drinking eating or smoking while taking the tablet below the tounge Nitroglycerin effects persists for about 5 mins so drinking eating should be avoided during this period so that nitroglycerin didnt washoff from the mouth

4.In anginal attack Nitroglycerin tablet shoul be kept in the mouth below the tongue that is by sublingual route

nitroglycerin have very hight first pass metabolism so sublingual route is best because 90% bioavailability