Nitrates - NYE-trates are using to treat the symptoms of angina - chest pain. Depending on the type of dosage form and how it is taken, nitrates are using to treat angina in three ways:
When applied to the skin, nitrates are using to reduce the number of angina attacks that occur. The only nitrate available for this purpose is topical nitroglycerin - nye-troe-GLI-ser-in.
Topical nitroglycerin is absorbed through the skin. It works by relaxing blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its work load. This helps prevent future angina attacks from occurring.
Topical nitroglycerin may also be using for other conditions as determined by your family doctor.
Nitroglycerin as discussed here is available only with your family doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
Some commonly using brand names are:
In the USA
In Canada
Another commonly using name for nitroglycerin is glyceryl trinitrate .
Note:For quick reference, the following nitrates are numbered to match the corresponding brand names.