How to Use

Use nitroglycerin exactly as directed by your family doctor . It will work only if applied correctly.

The ointment and transdermal forms of nitroglycerin are using to reduce the number of angina attacks. They will not relieve an attack that has already started because they work too slowly. Check with your family doctor if you need a fast-acting drug to relieve the pain of an angina attack.

This drug usually comes with patient instructions. Read them carefully before using this drug .

For diseaseds using the ointment form of this drug:

• Before applying a new dose of ointment, remove any ointment remaining on the skin from a previous dose. This will allow the fresh ointment to release the nitroglycerin properly.
• This drug comes with dose-measuring papers. Use them to measure the length of ointment squeezed from the tube and to apply the ointment to the skin Do not rub or massage the ointment into the skin; just spread in a thin, even layer, covering an area of the same size each time it is applied .
• Apply the ointment to skin that has little or no hair.
• Apply each dose of ointment to a various area of skin to prevent irritation or other skin problems.
• If your family doctor has ordered an occlusive dressing - airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap to be applied over this drug, make sure you know how to apply it. Since occlusive dressings increase the amount of drug absorbed through the skin and the possibility of side effects, use them only as directed. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

For diseaseds using the transdermal - stick-on patch system :

• Do not try to trim or cut the adhesive patch to adjust the dosage. Check with your family doctor if you think the drug is not working as it must.
• Apply the patch to a clean, dry skin area with little or no hair and free of scars, cuts, or irritation. Remove the previous patch before applying a new one.
• Apply a new patch if the first one becomes loose or falls off.
• Apply each dose to a various area of skin to prevent skin irritation or other problems.

Dosage

For nitroglycerin
• For angina - chest pain:
  • For ointment dosage form:
    • Adults 15 to 30 milligrams - mg - about one to two inches of ointment squeezed from tube every six to eight hours.
    • Children Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.
  • For transdermal system - skin patch dosage form:
    • Adults Apply one transdermal dosage system - skin patch to intact skin once a day. The patch is usually left on for 12 to 14 hours a day and then taken off. Follow your family doctor's instructions for when to put on and take off the skin patch.
    • Children Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.

Missed dose

• For diseaseds using the ointment form of this drug: If you miss a dose of this drug, apply it as soon as possible unless the next scheduled dose is within 2 hours. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not increase the amount using.
• For diseaseds using the transdermal - stick-on patch system : If you miss a dose of this drug, apply it as soon as possible. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

• To store the ointment form of this drug:
  • Keep out of the reach of children.
  • Store the tube of nitroglycerin ointment in a cool place and keep it tightly closed.
  • Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.
• To store the transdermal - stick-on patch system :
  • Keep out of the reach of children.
  • Store away from heat and direct light.
  • Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the drug to break down.
  • Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.