GLYCERYL TRINITRATE

Anti-angina nitrate with coronary vasodilator activity

Dosage Forms

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Tablet (sublingual)

500 μg

Uses

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  • Prophylaxis of angina
  • Treatment of angina

Dose and Duration

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Prophylaxis of angina
Adult: 500 μg used prior to activity that may precipitate angina
Treatment of angina
Adult: 500−1000 μg repeated as required at 5 minute intervals up to a maximum of 3 doses

Contraindications

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  • Hypotension, hypovolemia
  • Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
  • Aortic and mitral stenosis, cardiac tamponade
  • Constrictive pericarditis
  • Mitral stenosis
  • Toxic pulmonary oedema
  • Marked anaemia
  • Raised intracranial pressure due to head trauma or cerebral haemorrhage
  • Angle-closure glaucoma
  • Hypersensitivity to nitrates

Side Effects

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  • Flushing, throbbing headache, postural hypotension, tachycardia, decrease in blood pressure
  • Dizziness, physical weakness

Interactions

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  • Heparin (anticoagulant effect of heparin reduced by infusion of glyceryl trinitrate)
  • Sildenafil, tadalafil (hypotensive effect of glyceryl trinitrate significantly enhanced)

Patient Instructions

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  • Dissolve the tablet under your tongue; do not chew or swallow
  • Store the tablets in the container provided away from moisture and light, with the cap tightly closed.
  • Discard any remaining tablets after 8 weeks since first opening of the container
  • You should sit down whenever possible immediately after or when you are taking your medication

Pregnancy

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  • Can be used

Breast-feeding

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  • Can be used

Storage

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  • Store below 25°C in a dry place protected from light. Container should always be tightly closed and sealed

⚠️ Caution

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  • Preferably dispense in a glass container
  • Hypotension and syncope may occur more commonly in the elderly
  • Avoid concomitant use with phosphodiesterase inhibitors e.g. theophylline, aminophylline, caffeine