What is nitroglycerin, exactly?
Nitroglycerin (often spelled nitroglycerin; sometimes written as nitro glycerin) is a chemical compound used in medicine and also known for its explosive properties in industrial contexts. In medicine, it’s a fast-acting medication that helps widen (relax) blood vessels, which lowers how hard the heart has to work and improves blood flow. [1]
How does nitroglycerin work in the body?
In the bloodstream, nitroglycerin releases nitric oxide, which relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessel walls. This causes vasodilation—often more pronounced in veins, reducing “preload” (the amount of blood returning to the heart) and helping relieve symptoms such as chest pain. [1]
What is nitroglycerin used for medically?
The most common medical use is to treat or prevent angina (chest pain) caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It may be used for quick relief of angina symptoms (for example, as tablets under the tongue or as sprays), depending on the product. [1]
What forms does nitroglycerin come in?
Nitroglycerin is made in multiple dosage forms, including:
- Sublingual (under-the-tongue) tablets or sprays for faster relief of angina
- Oral forms or other sustained-release forms for longer control (product-dependent) [1]
What side effects do people report?
Common side effects are related to lowered blood pressure and include headache, dizziness, and lightheadedness. These effects are often dose-related. [1]
Who should be careful with nitroglycerin?
People taking certain medicines for erectile dysfunction can have dangerous blood pressure drops when combined with nitrates like nitroglycerin. Because of this, nitroglycerin use has major interaction warnings. [1]
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugs.com/nitroglycerin.html