Nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator medication primarily used to treat and prevent angina (chest pain) by improving blood flow to the heart. It works by releasing nitric oxide, which relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessels, reducing the heart's workload and oxygen demand.
A nitrate vasodilator used to relieve and prevent angina by relaxing blood vessels and improving heart blood flow.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01DA02
- RxNorm
- 4917
- Generic
- Nitroglycerin
- Class
- atc-c01
- Brands
- Rectiv, Nitrolingual, Gonitro, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, Nitrostat, NitroMist
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- topical, rectal, sublingual, oral
- Forms
- injection, ointment, tablet, spray, powder, solution, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 0.3-0.8 mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 5 minutes as needed, max 3 doses in 15 minutes
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.25-0.5 mcg/kg/min
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion, titrated to effect
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.1-0.2 mg/hr
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- applied to skin, usually 12-14 hours on/12 hours off
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during first trimester unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
fetal monitoring and maternal blood pressure monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid close to delivery
avoid within 24-48 hours of delivery due to risk of hypotension
close maternal and fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug; consider pumping and discarding milk for 24 hours after dose
monitor infant for symptoms of hypotension
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower doses
initiate therapy at lowest effective dose; monitor for orthostatic hypotension
regular blood pressure monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrennot recommended
not approved for use in children; avoid use in pediatric patients
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatemay require dose reduction
use with caution; monitor blood pressure and renal function
monitor renal function and blood pressure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatemay require dose reduction
use with caution; start at lower doses
monitor blood pressure and liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Pharmacological classification based on mechanism of action
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
FDA approval timeline
History of FDA approvals for various nitroglycerin formulations
Treatment and prevention of angina pectoris, acute coronary syndromes, and hypertensive emergencies during surgery. May be used adjunctively in acute heart failure.
Converts to nitric oxide (NO), which activates guanylate cyclase and increases cyclic GMP levels in smooth muscle. This leads to myosin light chain dephosphorylation, causing smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation, primarily venous dilation to reduce cardiac preload.
Tolerance develops with continuous 24-hour exposure; maintain a nitrate-free interval of 10-12 hours daily. Contraindicated with PDE-5 inhibitors due to severe hypotension risk. May cause headache, hypotension, and dizziness. Do not abruptly discontinue after prolonged use.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy