Definition
Nitroglycerin is a prescription drug with the active ingredient glycerol trinitrate (also called nitroglycerin) and is used as a mono-preparation.
Application
Nitroglycerin is used for acute attacks of angina pectoris. These are heart attacks caused by an undersupply of oxygen to the heart muscle. If an attack of angina pectoris is feared or already present, one of the tablets is chewed, placed under the tongue or just in the mouth.
Nitrogen monoxide is split off from nitroglycerin with the help of the body’s own sulfur groups, which leads to a slackening of the smooth muscles. This leads to an expansion of the venous blood vessel system and the blood volume flowing back to the heart and the filling pressure of the heart chambers are reduced. This reduces both the energy and oxygen requirements of the heart muscle. In addition, nitroglycerine leads to a slight dilatation of the arteries and thus to a reduced vascular resistance, so that the work of the heart is also made easier. Through this mechanism, nitroglycerin can dilate coronary arteries that have narrowed like a spasm, thus improving the blood supply to the heart tissue again.
Contraindications
Nitroglycerin must not be used if there is an allergy to any of the ingredients of the medication or if any of the following applies to the patient being treated
- Highly reduced blood pressure
- State of collapse due to low blood pressure and shock
- Cardiac conduction disorders
- Decompensated heart failure (cardiac insufficiency)
- Severe heart rhythm disturbances
- Diseases of the heart muscle
- Narrowing in the heart valve area
- Renal dysfunction
- Anaemia (low blood pressure)
Use during pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy the drug should not be used if possible. However, if there is no other way, it must be taken under strict medical supervision. Before taking the drug during breast-feeding, breast-feeding should be stopped to prevent harm to the child.
