$Unique_ID{BRK02056}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{NITROGLYCERIN (TOPICAL)}
$Subject{Deponit (Wyeth)
Nitro-Bid (Marion)
Nitrocine (Schwarz Pharma)
Nitrodisc (Searle)
Nitro-Dur (Key)
nitroglycerin (various manufacturers)
Nitroglycerin Transdermal System (Bolar)
Nitrol (Adria)
Nitrong (Wharton)
Nitrostat (Parke-Davis)
Transderm-Nitro (Ciba)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


NITROGLYCERIN (TOPICAL)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Deponit (Wyeth)
     Nitro-Bid (Marion)
     Nitrocine (Schwarz Pharma)
     Nitrodisc (Searle)
     Nitro-Dur (Key)
     nitroglycerin (various manufacturers)
     Nitroglycerin Transdermal System (Bolar)
     Nitrol (Adria)
     Nitrong (Wharton)
     Nitrostat (Parke-Davis)
     Transderm-Nitro (Ciba)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antianginal
INGREDIENT:
     nitroglycerin
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Ointment (2%)
     Transdermal system (the patch delivers 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, or 15
       mg per 24 hours)
STORAGE:
     Nitroglycerin ointment and patches should be stored at room temperature
       in their original containers.  The ointment container should always be
       tightly capped.

USES

     Nitroglycerin is used to prevent angina (chest pain).  It is a
vasodilator, which relaxes the muscles of the blood vessels, causing an
increase in the oxygen supply to the heart.  The ointment and patches do not
act quickly--they should not be used to treat chest pain that has already
started.

TREATMENT

     The ointment comes with an applicator with which the prescribed dosage
can be easily measured and applied.  Before a new dose is applied, the
previous dose should be thoroughly removed.  Each dose should be applied to a
new site on the skin.  Do not rub or massage the ointment into the skin.  Just
spread the ointment in a thin, even layer, covering an area of about the same
size each time.  Avoid contact of the ointment with other parts of the body,
since it is absorbed wherever it touches the skin.  Either use plastic or
rubber gloves to apply the ointment, or wash your hands immediately after
application.  Cover the ointment only if directed to do so by your doctor.
     The transdermal system (patches) allows controlled, continuous release of
nitroglycerin.  Patches are convenient and easy to use.  For best results,
apply the patch to a hairless or clean-shaven area of skin, avoiding scars and
wounds.  Choose a site (such as the chest or upper arm) that is not subject to
excessive movement.  It is all right to bathe or shower with a patch in place.
In the event that a patch becomes dislodged, discard and replace it.  Replace
a patch by applying a new unit before removing the old one.  This allows for
uninterrupted drug therapy, and skin irritation is minimized since the site is
changed each time.  If redness or irritation develops at the application site,
consult your physician.  Some people are sensitive to the materials used to
make the patches.  Do not trim or cut the patches.  This alters the dose of
the medication.
     If you miss an application of this medication, apply the missed dose as
soon as possible, unless it is more than halfway through the interval between
doses.  In that case, do not apply the missed dose at all; just return to your
regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Dizziness, flushing of the face, headache, light-headedness, nausea,
vomiting, or weakness.  These side effects should disappear as your body
adjusts to the drug.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly, and be careful on stairs.  To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when
you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments
before rising.  Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising
the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs
in a pedaling motion.
     Acetaminophen may help to relieve headaches.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
fainting, palpitations, rash, or sweating.

INTERACTIONS

     Nitroglycerin can interact with other types of medications:
     1. The combination of alcohol and nitroglycerin can lead to dizziness and
fainting.
     2. Nitroglycerin can increase the side effects of the tricyclic
antidepressants.
     Before starting to take nitroglycerin, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
any medications you are currently taking, especially tricyclic
antidepressants.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to nitroglycerin or isosorbide dinitrate.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had anemia, glaucoma, a head injury, low
blood pressure, or thyroid disease or if you have recently had a heart attack.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or light-headed, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Tolerance to this medication may develop within one to three months.
If it seems to lose its effectiveness, contact your doctor.
     * You should not discontinue use of nitroglycerin unless you first
consult your doctor.  Stopping the drug abruptly may lead to further chest
pain.  Your doctor may, therefore, want to decrease your dosage gradually.
     * While taking this medication, do not take any over-the-counter
(nonprescription) asthma, allergy, sinus, cough, cold, or diet preparations
unless you first check with your doctor or pharmacist.  Some of these drugs
decrease the effectiveness of nitroglycerin.
     * Nitroglycerin is highly flammable.  Do not use it in places where it
might be ignited.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although this drug
appears to be safe, extensive studies in pregnant women have not been
conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is
not known whether nitroglycerin passes into breast milk.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
