When do nitroglycerin tablets expire

For many years, sublingual SL nitroglycerin has been used as part of the standard of care in the management of acute anginal episodes. Traditionally, patients prescribed SL nitroglycerin were advised to promptly dissolve one tablet under the tongue or in the buccal pouch at the first sign of an anginal attack.

A: For many years, sublingual SL nitroglycerin has been used as part of the standard of care in the management of acute anginal episodes. This dose was to be repeated every five minutes for a maximum of three doses.

Patients were instructed to contact emergency medical services EMS if symptoms were not relieved after three doses, since continuous chest pain or discomfort may be suggestive of a myocardial infarction MI. It has been documented, however, that self-treatment with prescription medications, including nitrates, and with over-the-counter products, such as antacids, is a frequent cause of delayed definitive treatment in patients with MI. When do I use quick-acting nitroglycerin?

In general, quick-acting nitroglycerin is used: To relieve sudden angina. Before stressful activities that can cause angina, such as walking uphill or having sexual intercourse. How do I use quick-acting nitroglycerin? Sit or lie down to take your nitroglycerin.

If you are driving, pull over and park the car. Taking nitroglycerin can lower your blood pressure, which could cause you to pass out if you are standing up. For sudden episodes of angina, use nitroglycerin in a tablet or liquid spray form. Place the under-the-tongue sublingual tablet under your tongue. Leave it there until it dissolves. If you accidentally swallow the tablet, take another.

The medicine won't work if it is swallowed. Place the between-cheek-and-gum buccal tablet between your cheek and gum. Use the spray under your tongue or on top of your tongue. Push the spray canister button once. Close your mouth right away. Take one tablet or spray dose. If after 5 minutes your angina symptoms are not better or get worse, call or other emergency services immediately. After you call , continue to stay on the phone with the emergency operator.

He or she will give you further instructions. Regardless of what happens, you should let your doctor know that you had an episode of angina. If this is unusual for you, if your angina episodes are occurring more frequently or lasting longer, or if you need more medicine to control them, tell your doctor.

Are there side effects or interactions with other drugs that I should be aware of? How should I store nitroglycerin? Can nitroglycerin get old and lose potency? Acute coronary syndromes: American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. October 22, by John Fernandez. October 21, by John Fernandez. October 15, by John Fernandez. All Rights Reserved. Toggle navigation. Link 1 Link 2 Link 3 Link 4.

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