Nitroglycerin Ointment – Transdermal, Nitro-Bid
Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: Nitroglycerin ointment is used to prevent chest pain (angina) in people with coronary artery disease. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called nitrates. Angina occurs when the heart muscle is not getting enough blood. This drug works by relaxing and widening blood vessels so blood can flow more easily to the heart.This medication will not relieve chest pain once it occurs. It is also not intended to be used just before physical activities to prevent chest pain. Other medications may be needed in these situations. Consult your doctor for more details. HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.Avoid touching the ointment with your fingers. Carefully squeeze out your dose onto a paper dose-measuring applicator. These applicators are supplied with the medication. Place the paper applicator with the ointment side down onto a dry, hairless area of skin, usually on the chest. Do not rub the ointment into the skin. Using the paper, lightly spread the ointment to cover an area directed by your doctor. Tape the paper applicator into place and cover with plastic wrap to avoid staining your clothing. Wash your hands after applying and removing the medication.Apply this medication usually 3 to 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Remember to use a different area for each application. It is important to apply this medication at the same times each day. Do not change the dosing times unless directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Remove the medication daily as directed by your doctor.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.Although unlikely, when this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well and may require different dosing. Tell your doctor if this medication stops working well.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and flushing may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Headache is often a sign that this medication is working. Your doctor may recommend treating headaches with an over-the-counter pain reliever. If the headaches continue or become severe, tell your doctor promptly.To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to similar drugs, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.This medication should not be used if you have a certain medical condition. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: recent head injury.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: anemia, low blood pressure, dehydration, other heart problems.This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do any activity that requires alertness until you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication, especially dizziness and lightheadedness which could increase the risk of falls.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk or if it may harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with certain medications because very serious interactions may occur. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting nitroglycerin.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: rosiglitazone, certain drugs to treat migraine headaches.This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMAGES
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.Lifestyle changes such as dietary changes, exercise, and stopping smoking may help this drug work better. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Close the tube tightly right after each use. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details.MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada). Information last revised March 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
