NitroMist Side Effects
Generic name: nitroglycerin
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 7, 2023.
Note: This document contains side effect information about nitroglycerin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name NitroMist.
Applies to nitroglycerin: intravenous solution. Other dosage forms:
- capsule extended release, packet, spray, tablet
- rectal ointment
- transdermal ointment, transdermal patch extended release
Serious side effects of NitroMist
Along with its needed effects, nitroglycerin (the active ingredient contained in NitroMist) 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 or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking nitroglycerin:
Rare
- Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms
- dark urine
- difficulty with breathing
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- fever
- headache
- 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
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- fainting
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- sweating
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking nitroglycerin:
Symptoms of overdose
- 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
- convulsions
- disturbed color perception
- double vision
- feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
- flushed skin
- halos around lights
- headache, severe and throbbing
- increased sweating
- loss of appetite
- loss of consciousness
- nausea or vomiting
- night blindness
- overbright appearance of lights
- paralysis
- sensation of spinning
- slow or irregular heartbeat
- tunnel vision
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
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?
More about NitroMist (nitroglycerin)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: antianginal agents
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
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Professional resources
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Related treatment guides
References
1. (2002) "Product Information. Tridil (nitroglycerin)." DuPont Pharmaceuticals
2. (2002) "Product Information. Nitrostat (nitroglycerin)." Parke-Davis
3. (2004) "Product Information. Nitrolingual (nitroglycerin)." First Horizon Pharmaceutical Corporation
4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
Further information
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.