Atherosclerosis and CAD Drugs Nitrates
- Isosorbide dinitrate, sublingual and chewable (Isordil, Sorbitrate)
- Isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, Ismo, Isotrate ER,Monoket)
- Nitroglycerin ER (Nitroglyn)
- Nitroglycerin ointment (Nitro-Bid ointment, Nitrol)
- Nitroglycerin skin patches (Deponit, Minitran, Nitro-Dur, Nitrodisc,
- Transderm-Nitro)
- Nitroglycerin spray (Nitrolingual)
How do these drugs work?
This class of medications dilates the veins returning blood to the heart as well as the heart arteries, increasing oxygenation of the heart cells.
What are the benefits?
Quick relief of heart pain (angina)
Potential side effects
- Constant throbbing headache
- Flushing of the head and neck
- Increased heart rate or heart palpitations
- Nausea, vomiting
Major cautions
Drop in blood pressure, causing dizziness and weakness
Known drug interactions
Medications that reduce blood pressure (see chapter 9 on blood pressure) combined with nitroglycerin may cause too much of a reduction in blood pressure. Caution with medications that have a vasoconstriction effect, the opposite of nitroglycerin, such as ergot alkaloids (e.g., Cafergot) and sumatriptan (Imitrex), and decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).
Food or supplement interactions
Avoid alcohol, since it can increase the blood-pressure-lowering effects of nitroglycerin. Vitamin C at a dose of 1500 to 2000 mg daily in divided doses may help prevent tolerance to nitroglycerin.
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Tags: Atherosclerosis, blood, drugs, effects, heart, interactions, medications, nitroglycerin, pressure