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Questions and Answers
What is the drug classification of Nitroglycerin?
What is the drug classification of Nitroglycerin?
What is the mechanism of action of Nitroglycerin?
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?
What is the effect of Nitroglycerin on cardiac preload/afterload?
Decrease in cardiac preload/afterload.
What is one major outcome of Nitroglycerin's action?
What is one major outcome of Nitroglycerin's action?
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What is the onset of action for Nitroglycerin when administered sublingually?
What is the onset of action for Nitroglycerin when administered sublingually?
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What are the peak effects of Nitroglycerin when taken sublingually?
What are the peak effects of Nitroglycerin when taken sublingually?
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How long does the effect of Nitroglycerin last?
How long does the effect of Nitroglycerin last?
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What is the half-life of Nitroglycerin?
What is the half-life of Nitroglycerin?
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What is an indication for using Nitroglycerin?
What is an indication for using Nitroglycerin?
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What is a contraindication for using Nitroglycerin?
What is a contraindication for using Nitroglycerin?
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What medications should not be used with Nitroglycerin?
What medications should not be used with Nitroglycerin?
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What are some side effects of Nitroglycerin?
What are some side effects of Nitroglycerin?
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What is the adult dose and route for Nitroglycerin?
What is the adult dose and route for Nitroglycerin?
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What precaution should be expected when using Nitroglycerin?
What precaution should be expected when using Nitroglycerin?
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What precaution should be taken regarding ALS and Nitroglycerin use?
What precaution should be taken regarding ALS and Nitroglycerin use?
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What interaction can occur with beta-blockers and Nitroglycerin?
What interaction can occur with beta-blockers and Nitroglycerin?
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What interaction can occur between alcohol and Nitroglycerin?
What interaction can occur between alcohol and Nitroglycerin?
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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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Description
This quiz explores the key aspects of nitroglycerin, including its classification, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and indications and contraindications. Test your knowledge on how this important vasodilator is utilized in clinical settings.
