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NitroMist (nitroglycerin) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to relieve chest pain caused by coronary artery disease. It may also be taken before activities that could trigger an angina attack.
These insights are based on 121 comments about NitroMist from MyHeartDiseaseTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Benefits:
Considerations:
NitroMist is a nitrate medicine that releases nitric oxide. This relaxes and widens blood vessels, lowers the heart’s workload, and reduces the amount of oxygen the heart needs.
Doctors prescribe NitroMist for quick relief during an angina attack. Angina is chest pain caused by coronary artery disease. It may also be taken before an activity that could trigger an attack.
Use NitroMist while resting, ideally while sitting. Hold the container upright and bring it close to your mouth. Spray the medicine on or under your tongue. Close your mouth after each dose. Do not inhale the spray.
NitroMist is available in containers with either 90 or 230 metered sprays.
At the start of an angina attack, use one or two metered sprays on or under the tongue. A spray may be repeated about every five minutes as needed. If two sprays are used first, only one more spray may be used after waiting five minutes.
Do not use more than three sprays within 15 minutes. If chest pain continues after three sprays, seek medical attention right away.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
These insights are based on 121 comments about NitroMist from MyHeartDiseaseTeam members.
Members who use NitroMist often say it can help during chest pain or shortness of breath, but they also stress paying attention to how often symptoms happen and how the medication makes them feel. Many members mention talking with their cardiologist when symptoms change, side effects show up, or longer-acting nitrate treatment might be needed.
Talk to your doctor if you need NitroMist more often.
“Yes. So far, nitroglycerin spray under my tongue has helped. I’m just concerned because it’s happening more often, which is almost every single day.”
Be aware of headaches and lightheadedness as possible side effects.
“Yesterday I had to take some nitroglycerin for the first time. It worked, but it gave me a headache.”
Keep your cardiologist updated when NitroMist does not fully help.
“I took the NitroMist spray today which did not help. I called my cardiologist office about my continuous chest pressure. I had to go into the office to have a stress EKG test, I didn’t pass the test. They gave me nitroglycerin IV, I felt better after.”
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In clinical studies of NitroMist, the most common side effects occurred in more than 2 percent of people. These include:
NitroMist can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to nitroglycerin, other nitrates or nitrites, or any ingredients in NitroMist.
Before using NitroMist, tell your doctor if you:
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Also let your doctor know if you take:
Do not use NitroMist with:
These combinations can cause dangerously low blood pressure, fainting, or reduced blood flow to the heart.
Alcohol may increase the risk of low blood pressure, dizziness, or lightheadedness while using NitroMist.
Do not use NitroMist if you have severe anemia, increased pressure inside your head, or an allergy to NitroMist, nitrates, or nitrites.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking NitroMist, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is NitroMist for angina?
In a study of 30 people with stable angina, NitroMist improved exercise tolerance more than placebo. The improvement increased with doses of 200 micrograms, 400 micrograms, and 800 micrograms.
NitroMist is used for quick relief of an angina attack. It may also be used five to 10 minutes before an activity that could trigger an attack.
How long does NitroMist take to work for angina?
Nitroglycerin is quickly absorbed after NitroMist is sprayed on or under the tongue. In a study of 12 healthy adults who received a 1,200-microgram dose, nitroglycerin was detected in the blood starting two minutes after dosing. The median time to the highest blood level was eight minutes.
The study does not give an exact time for when chest pain relief begins.
Can NitroMist be used with other medicines for angina?
NitroMist should not be used with erectile dysfunction medicines such as sildenafil, vardenafil, or tadalafil. It also should not be used with riociguat. These combinations can cause severe low blood pressure.
Medicines for high blood pressure, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers may increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of NitroMist. Aspirin may increase nitroglycerin levels and may strengthen its effects.
Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take before using NitroMist.
On MyHeartDiseaseTeam, people share their experiences with heart disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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