NITROSTAT (NITROGLYCERINE)

Nitrostat Description

Nitrostat is prescribed as an “as needed” medication to treat an angina attack or if you are going to be performing strenuous work or exercising and want to avoid the pain of angina. The active ingredient in Nitrostat is Nitroglycerine which is a type of vasodilator that helps to ensure your heart is receiving an adequate supply of oxygen-rich blood.

The tightness and pain in your chest you experience from an angina attack feels much like a heart attack. It can result from stress, exercising, or over exertion that causes your heart the need to pump more blood around your body to other organs and tissue. If your blood flow is compromised due to thickened arteries your heart begins to struggle for oxygen, causing the pain you experience.

How This Vasodilator Works

Nitrostat is a sublingual medication, which means that it is placed under your tongue where it dissolves fast and is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream. As a vasodilator, Nitrostat works directly on the muscles in your artery walls by relaxing them so normal blood flow is restored. This action will also help lower your blood pressure because your arteries are not straining to supply your heart with blood and oxygen.

More About Angina

Angina, in the majority of cases, is a result of coronary atherosclerosis. This is a thickening of the arteries that supply your heart with blood, oxygen, and other nutrients to keep it working properly. Your arteries can build up with fatty deposits called plaque that can reduce blood flow to your heart when it’s needed most. During strenuous activities your heart is required to pump more blood around your body and the arteries cannot keep up with demand. Nitrostat can help to relax the muscles surrounding your arteries to improve the blood supply and decrease the pain of angina.

Before You Take Nitrostat

Ask your doctor if Nitrostat is safe to take if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding to avoid possible harm to your unborn or nursing baby. Make your doctor aware of other medical conditions and allergies you have that could interfere with taking Nitrostat. Provide information regarding any current over the counter and Rx medicine you are taking, including dietary and vitamin supplements or herbal remedies so your doctor can decide if there are risks involved when combined with taking Nitrostat.

What You Need to Know When Taking Nitroglycerine

You should not take more than three Nitrostat sublingual tabs in a fifteen minute period. If you are still experiencing chest pain, you should seek medical assistance right away as this could be a heart attack.

Keep Nitrostat with you at all times in case of unexpected stress or physical strain that can cause an attack of angina. Nitrostat may cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded so you should sit or lie down when you take it and do not attempt to drive or perform unsafe tasks until your head is clear. Never share your medications with anyone and always store them out of children’s reach.

Possible Side Effects of Nitrostat

• Body aches or pains
• Stomach pain
• Runny or stuffy nose