Powered By
Nitrostat (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 127 comments about Nitrostat from MyHeartDiseaseTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Benefits:
Considerations:
Nitrostat 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 Nitrostat 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.
Place one tablet under the tongue or in the cheek pouch at the first sign of chest pain. Let it dissolve without swallowing. Nitrostat may also be taken five to 10 minutes before an activity that may trigger chest pain.
If your mouth is dry, take a small sip of water before placing the tablet under your tongue. Take Nitrostat while resting, preferably while sitting. Do not chew, crush, or swallow the tablet. You may feel burning or tingling in your mouth.
The recommended dose of Nitrostat is one tablet at the first sign of an angina attack. You may take one more tablet every five minutes as needed. Do not take more than three tablets within 15 minutes.
Seek prompt medical attention if the pain continues after three tablets in 15 minutes or feels different from your usual chest pain.
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 127 comments about Nitrostat from MyHeartDiseaseTeam members.
Members who use Nitrostat often talk about keeping it close by, noticing patterns in when chest pain starts, and staying in touch with their cardiologist when symptoms change. They also frequently mention side effects like headaches and light-headedness, and some say it helps to ask about longer-acting nitrate options when angina keeps coming back.
Keep Nitrostat with you for quick access.
“I keep my Nitroglycerin tablets within a small metal container on a necklace that I wear daily. My wife also retains spare Nitrostat tablets within her purse, to allow immediate access, and in the event I need her help.”
Talk to your doctor if you need it more often.
“So far, nitroglycerin tabs under my tongue have helped. I’m just concerned cause it’s happening more often, which is almost every single day.”
Ask your doctor what to do when symptoms change.
“I do have angina from time to time and sometimes it’s pretty intense. My doctor advised me in future to take a pill and call 911.”
Connect with others who understand life with heart disease. Join MyHeartDiseaseTeam for free.
In clinical studies of Nitrostat, the most common side effects occurred in more than 2 percent of people. These include:
Nitrostat 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 Nitrostat.
Before using Nitrostat, 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 medicines for:
Be sure to tell your doctor if you take aspirin or ergotamine.
Do not use Nitrostat with:
These combinations can cause dangerously low blood pressure, fainting, or reduced blood flow to the heart.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Nitrostat because it may lower your blood pressure.
Do not use Nitrostat if you have severe anemia, increased pressure in the head, acute circulatory failure or shock, or an allergy to Nitrostat or related medicines.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Nitrostat, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Do not breastfeed while taking Nitrostat.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Nitrostat for angina?
Nitrostat is used to relieve an angina attack and to help prevent angina before activities that may trigger it in people with coronary artery disease. The prescribing information does not provide an overall effectiveness rate.
How long does Nitrostat take to work for angina?
After the Nitrostat tablet is placed under the tongue, its blood-vessel-widening effect starts in about one to three minutes. It is strongest by about five minutes and lasts at least 25 minutes.
Nitroglycerin levels in the blood peak about six to seven minutes after a dose.
Can Nitrostat cause headaches or dizziness when used for angina?
Yes. Headache is one of the most common side effects of Nitrostat. Headaches may be worse when treatment starts and may lessen with continued use.
Dizziness, vertigo, weakness, palpitations, and low blood pressure when standing may also occur.
Can Nitrostat be used with other medicines for heart disease?
Tell your doctor about all heart and blood pressure medicines you take. Do not use Nitrostat with PDE-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, or avanafil. This combination can cause severe low blood pressure, fainting, or reduced blood flow to the heart.
Do not use Nitrostat with riociguat. This combination can cause low blood pressure.
High-dose aspirin, such as 1,000 milligrams, can increase nitroglycerin exposure and may increase its blood-pressure-lowering effects.
On MyHeartDiseaseTeam, people share their experiences with heart disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Learn more about Nitrostat and heart disease care:
More resources from MyHeartDiseaseTeam that mention Nitrostat
Become a member to get even more
Join
Your Privacy Choices
