MINITRAN PATCH (NITROGLYCERINE)

Minitran Patch Description

If you are experiencing chest pains that occur either when you are under stress, you have been physically active, or they simply come on unexpectedly, your body is telling you that you are in need of medical help. This could be angina and not a heart attack, although this should serve as a warning that a heart attack may occur unless you change your lifestyle and stop smoking, lose weight, be more active, and eat healthier.

How the Minitran Patch Works in Your Body

Minitran Patch contains Nitroglycerine, a nitrate drug that can help relieve the strain your heart is undergoing as it attempts to pump blood around your body without a sufficient oxygen supply. The Minitran Patch is placed on a clean, hairless part of your body and Nitroglycerine will be absorbed slowly and continuously through your skin cells and into your bloodstream for 10-12 hours. It is converted in your body to nitric oxide and is not meant for immediate relief of an angina attack that is occurring but for preventing them from happening.

Once the drug from the Minitran Patch has reached your bloodstream, it acts to signal the surrounding smooth muscles to relax. This results in the blood vessels being able to widen so blood flow is increased. The interior surface of your arteries naturally produce nitric oxide. However, if plaque builds up in the arteries, the ability to make nitric oxide is reduced so your doctor may prescribe Minitran Patch as part of your treatment for angina.

Conditions Treated by Minitran Patch

There are several types of angina; stable, unstable, variant, micro-vascular, and atypical.

• Stable angina usually occurs during times of stress or after strenuous physical activity and is relieved with rest.
• Unstable angina is the unexpected chest pain that you experience when at rest or without exerting any physical activity.
• Variant angina can happen when at rest and the painful attacks are usually during the night caused by a coronary artery spasm. This indicates at least one major coronary artery is blocked.
• Micro-vascular angina pain is due to the tiny blood vessels that feed your heart not working properly.
• Atypical angina is mild chest discomfort along with neck or back pain, fatigue, indigestion, and nausea. Women seem to be more likely to experience this type of angina.

Before You Receive a Minitran Patch Rx

Ask your doctor if Minitran Patch is safe to apply if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Explain other health issues you have to your doctor and list all OTC and Rx drugs you currently take or use, including any supplements, to determine if Minitran Patch is right for you. Be sure to dispose of the used patch properly so a child or pets will not have access to it.

Minitran Patch Precautions and Recommendations

Until you know how Minitran Patch will affect you, do not drive or attempt any task that may be considered unsafe. To avoid building a tolerance to Minitran Patch, your doctor may recommend a schedule of days with and without the patch. Make a positive change in your lifestyle or you could be at a higher risk for a heart attack. Keep all doctor and lab appointments so your progress can be monitored.

Possible Side Effects of Minitran Patch

• Flushing
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth