Nitroglycerin

Mechanism of action: An organic nitrate, is a vasodilating agent that relieves tension on vascular smooth muscle and dilates peripheral veins and arteries.

It increases guanosine 3’5′ monophosphate (cyclic GMP) in smooth muscle and other tissues by stimulating guanylate cyclase through formation of free radical nitric oxide. This activity results in dephosphorylation of the light chain of myosin, which improves the contractile state in smooth muscle results in vasodilation.

Therapeutic Class; antianginal

Used:

• Angina
• Hypertension
• Angina
• Heart failure
• Myocardial infarction

Contraindications: hypersensitivity to this product or nitrites, severe anemia, increased intracranial pressure, cerebral hemorrhage, closed-angle glaucoma, cardiac tamponade, cardiomyopathy, constrictive pericarditis

Side effects: headache, restlessness, weakness, flushing, dizziness, postural hypotension, tachycardia, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, contact dermatitis, alcohol intoxication, syncope, flushing

Pregnancy

• Fetal risk cannot be ruled out.

Breast Feeding

• Micromedex: Infant risk cannot be ruled out.