Nitroglycerin Injection

Generic name: Nitroglycerin Injection [ nye-troe-GLI-ser-in ]
Drug classes: Antianginal agents, Vasodilators

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 10, 2023.

Uses of Nitroglycerin Injection:

It is used to treat high blood pressure.
It is used to treat heart failure (weak heart).
It is used to treat chest pain or pressure.
It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Nitroglycerin Injection?

If you are allergic to nitroglycerin injection; any part of nitroglycerin injection; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have any of these health problems: Anemia, raised pressure in the head (like with bleeding in the brain or head injury), or recent heart attack.
If you have heart problems.
If you have low blood volume.
If you are taking any of these drugs: Avanafil, riociguat, sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil.
If you are taking any of these drugs: Dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, or methylergonovine.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with nitroglycerin injection.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take nitroglycerin injection with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Nitroglycerin Injection?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take nitroglycerin injection. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how nitroglycerin injection affects you.
To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
Check your blood pressure as you have been told.
This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take nitroglycerin injection.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking nitroglycerin injection.
If you are 65 or older, use nitroglycerin injection with care. You could have more side effects.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Nitroglycerin Injection) best taken?

Use nitroglycerin injection as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Very bad dizziness or passing out.
Fast, slow, or abnormal heartbeat.
Flushing.
Blurred eyesight.
Dry mouth.
Sweating a lot.
Pale skin.
Very upset stomach or throwing up.
Restlessness.
Feeling very tired or weak.

What are some other side effects of Nitroglycerin Injection?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Dizziness or headache.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Nitroglycerin Injection?

If you need to store nitroglycerin injection at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about nitroglycerin injection, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.