Nitroglycerin
PATIENT NAME ___________________________________ SOC __________
INITIAL
Action of nitroglycerin.
______ ______ A. It dilates the blood vessels, which increases oxygen and blood to the
heart.
______ ______ B. It prevents and treats chest pain.
Possible adverse reactions.
______ ______ A. Headache, sometimes throbbing.
______ ______ B. Dizziness.
______ ______ C. Palpitations.
______ ______ D. Flushing.
______ ______ E. Dizziness upon rising.
______ ______ F. Fast heart rate.
______ ______ G. Weakness.
______ ______ H. Nausea and vomiting.
______ ______ I. Sublingual burning.
Methods of administration.
______ ______ A. Sublingual:
______ ______ 1. Place tablet under tongue and allow to dissolve.
______ ______ 2. Repeat every three to five minutes up to three tablets as needed.
______ ______ 3. Seek immediate medical attention if pain persists.
______ ______ B. Ointment:
______ ______ 1. Apply as directed.
______ ______ 2. Rotate sites to avoid skin irritation.
______ ______ 3. Remember to remove the last dose.
______ ______ C. Spray:
______ ______ 1. Spray dose on or under tongue.
______ ______ 2. If angina lasts longer than five minutes, spray again.
______ ______ 3. Don’t take more than three sprays in 15 minutes.
______ ______ 4. Seek immediate medical attention if pain persists.
______ ______ D. Disk or patch:
______ ______ 1. Apply disk to upper arm or chest (never below the elbow).
______ ______ 2. Shave the area first if necessary.
______ ______ 3. Remember to discard the old patch as ordered.
______ ______ 4. Apply the new patch to a different area every day.
______ ______ 5. Bathing or swimming does not affect a transdermal patch.
______ ______ E. Extended release tablets or capsules:
______ ______ 1. Swallow whole with liquid.
______ ______ 2. Take as ordered one to two hours after meals.
______ ______ F. Regular tablets or capsules:
______ ______ 1. Swallow whole with liquid.
______ ______ 2. Take as ordered one to two hours after meals.
______ ______ G. Chewable tablets:
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Nitroglycerin
PATIENT NAME ___________________________________ SOC __________
______ ______ 1. Chew at first sign of chest pain.
______ ______ 2. Hold in mouth for two minutes.
General precautions.
______ ______ A. Monitor blood pressure.
______ ______ B. Replace supply every three to six months to ensure freshness.
______ ______ C. Store sublingual tablets in original container away from moisture or
light.
______ ______ D. Check expiration date of nitroglycerin.
______ ______ E. Notify physician if headache is severe and lasts longer than 15–20
minutes.
______ ______ F. Report increased frequency of anginal attacks to physician.
______ ______ G. Carry medication with you at all times.
______ ______ H. Take nitroglycerin before beginning any activity that may precipitate
an anginal attack, such as increased activity or stress.
______ ______ I. Avoid alcoholic beverages, which may increase possibility of
hypotension.
______ ______ J. Change position slowly to prevent orthostatic hypotension.
______ ______ K. Avoid over-the-counter medications without permission of physician
due to possible interactions.
______ ______ L. Relax 15–20 minutes after taking medication to prevent dizziness or
fainting.
______ ______ M. Notify physician of any side effects.
______ ______ N. Report any increase of frequency or severity of angina to physician.
______ ______ O. Keep follow-up appointments with physician and laboratory.
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