Nitroglycerin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 28, 2024.

Applies to nitroglycerin: capsule extended release, packet, spray, tablet.

Other dosage forms:

• intravenous solution
• rectal ointment
• transdermal ointment, transdermal patch extended release

Serious side effects of nitroglycerin

Along with its needed effects, nitroglycerin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking nitroglycerin:

Less common side effects

• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• difficult or labored breathing
• feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheadedness
• feeling of warmth or heat
• flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
• headache
• rapid weight gain
• sweating
• tightness in the chest
• tingling of the hands or feet
• unusual weight gain or loss

Rare side effects

• bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms
• dark urine
• fever
• pale skin
• rapid heart rate
• sore throat
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• arm, back, or jaw pain
• blurred vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• chest tightness or heaviness
• confusion
• cough
• cracks in the skin
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fainting
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• feeling of warmth
• hives, itching, or rash
• increased sweating
• loss of heat from the body
• nausea or vomiting
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• red, swollen skin
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• scaly skin
• sensation of spinning
• weakness

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking nitroglycerin:

Symptoms of overdose

• bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms
• blurred or loss of vision
• bulging soft spot on the head of an infant
• change in consciousness
• change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
• cold, clammy skin
• dark urine
• difficulty breathing
• disturbed color perception
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• double vision
• fever
• flushed skin
• halos around lights
• headache, severe and throbbing
• increased sweating
• loss of appetite
• loss of consciousness
• night blindness
• overbright appearance of lights
• pale skin
• paralysis
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• sore throat
• tunnel vision
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects of nitroglycerin

Some side effects of nitroglycerin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

• abdominal or stomach pain
• body aches or pain
• congestion
• hoarseness
• lack or loss of strength
• runny nose
• sneezing
• stuffy nose
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• voice changes

For healthcare professionals

Applies to nitroglycerin: buccal tablet extended release, intravenous solution, oral capsule extended release, rectal ointment, sublingual powder, sublingual spray, sublingual tablet, transdermal film extended release, transdermal ointment.

General adverse events

The most common side effect is headache.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 64%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, vertigo, drowsiness
• Rare (0.1% to 0.01%): Severe and prolonged headache
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cerebral ischemia
• Frequency not reported: Faintness, somnolence^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, angina increased, paradoxical bradycardia, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, blood pressure decreased, facial flushing
• Uncommon (0.1 to 1%): Circulatory collapse
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Bradycardia, cyanosis, flushing, heart rate increase
• Frequency not reported: Crescendo angina, rebound hypertension, palpitations, hypertension, decreased arterial oxygen tension, severe arterial hypotension with bradycardia, transient flushing^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Dry mouth
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Heartburn, halitosis
• Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, retching, lip and tongue swelling^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dermatitis contact, erythema, pruritus, burning, irritation, eczema, urticaria
• Rare (0.01 to 0.1%): Allergic skin reactions, rash
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Exfoliative dermatitis, drug rash
• Frequency not reported: Cutaneous flushing, diaphoresis, angioedema
• Postmarketing reports: Rash generalized^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, weakness
• Frequency not reported: Retrosternal discomfort^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylaxis
• Frequency not reported: Allergic reaction, anaphylactoid reaction^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Restlessness
• Frequency not reported: Apprehension^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Impairment of respiration
• Frequency not reported: Hypoxemia, dyspnea^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Methemoglobinemia^[Ref]

Ocular

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Blurred vision
• Frequency not reported: Increased ocular pressure^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Muscle twitching^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• How do you take GoNitro to treat an angina attack (chest pain)?
• What is the shelf life of nitroglycerin tablets?

Further information

Nitroglycerin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer