Nitroglycerin Overview and Pharmacology

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Questions and Answers

What is the drug classification of Nitroglycerin?

  • Antibiotic
  • Vasodilator (correct)
  • Nitrate (correct)
  • Analgesic

What is the mechanism of action of Nitroglycerin?

Vascular smooth muscle cell relaxation in arterioles.

What is the effect of Nitroglycerin on cardiac preload/afterload?

Decrease in cardiac preload/afterload.

What is one major outcome of Nitroglycerin's action?

<p>Increased oxygen delivery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the onset of action for Nitroglycerin when administered sublingually?

<p>1-3 minutes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the peak effects of Nitroglycerin when taken sublingually?

<p>5-10 minutes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long does the effect of Nitroglycerin last?

<p>20-30 minutes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the half-life of Nitroglycerin?

<p>1-4 minutes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an indication for using Nitroglycerin?

<p>Chest pain associated with angina or myocardial infarction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a contraindication for using Nitroglycerin?

<p>Hypotension (BP below 100 systolic).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What medications should not be used with Nitroglycerin?

<p>Erectile dysfunction drugs within 48 hours.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some side effects of Nitroglycerin?

<p>Headache, dizziness, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, rash, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the adult dose and route for Nitroglycerin?

<p>0.4 mg sublingually (tablet or spray) every 3-5 minutes until effect is achieved or BP drops.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should be expected when using Nitroglycerin?

<p>Expect headache from vasodilation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should be taken regarding ALS and Nitroglycerin use?

<p>Do not use if not prescribed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What interaction can occur with beta-blockers and Nitroglycerin?

<p>Orthostatic hypotension.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What interaction can occur between alcohol and Nitroglycerin?

<p>Severe hypotension.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Nitroglycerin Overview

  • Classified as a vasodilator and nitrate.
  • Primarily used to relieve angina (chest pain) associated with myocardial infarction (MI).

Mechanism of Action

  • Relaxation of vascular smooth muscle cells occurs in arterioles.
  • Decreases cardiac preload and afterload, reducing oxygen demand on the heart.
  • Induces vasodilation of coronary arteries, enhancing oxygen delivery to cardiac tissue.

Pharmacokinetics

  • Onset of action via sublingual (SL) route is rapid, occurring within 1-3 minutes.
  • Peak effects are observed 5-10 minutes after administration.
  • Duration of effect typically lasts 20-30 minutes.
  • Half-life is very short, ranging from 1-4 minutes.

Indications and Contraindications

  • Indicated for chest pain due to angina or MI.
  • Contraindicated in patients with hypotension (systolic BP below 100).
  • Use is also contraindicated in patients who have taken erectile dysfunction drugs within the last 48 hours due to increased risk of severe hypotension.

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

  • Common side effects include headache, dizziness, weakness, tachycardia, and hypotension.
  • Other potential reactions can include rash, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting.

Dosage and Administration

  • Adult dose is 0.4 mg via sublingual tablet or spray, can be repeated every 3-5 minutes as needed until relief or drop in blood pressure occurs.

Precautions

  • Anticipate headaches as a side effect from vasodilation.
  • Caution required: coordinate with Advanced Life Support (ALS) and do not administer if nitroglycerin is not prescribed for the patient.

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Risk of orthostatic hypotension when combined with beta-blockers.
  • Consuming alcohol can lead to severe hypotension when paired with nitroglycerin.

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