Angina and Nitrates

Nitrates are generally prescribed to aid in preventing angina.

When the coronary arteries become constricted, not enough oxygen is able to reach the heart muscle, causing angina (chest pain/discomfort).

By taking Nitroglycerin it helps to bring more oxygen to the heart muscle, by relaxing and (widening) dilating the arteries.  Nitrates also help to relax the veins.

Sublingual (Under the Tongue) Pills

These can be used at the first sign of an attack of angina, or prior to exercising or activities that may bring on an attack of angina.

Patches

A patch applied to the skin can help to prevent angina attacks.  It's worn for about 12 hours and removed for 12, depending on your Dr.'s orders.

Sprays

As an angina attack begins, you use the spray on or under the tongue - using no more than 3 doses in 15 minutes.  Sprays can be used in advance of exercising or activities that may bring on an attack of angina.

Ointments

The amounts used will depend on your Dr.'s prescribed amount.  It's put on in 'inches'.  You apply it in a thin even layer and like the patches, it's only used for a prescribed amount of time during the day.

Sustained-Release Capsules or Tablets

Usually you would use the smallest effective amount taken 2-3 times a day at 8-12 hours, or as prescribed.

Please make sure your Dr. is also aware of any of the following medications that you may be taking.  Dosages may need to be adjusted.

Antihypertensives (high blood pressure medicine) or Other heart medicine—May increase the effects of nitroglycerin on blood pressure

Sildenafil (e.g., Viagra) or Tadalafil (e.g., Cialis) or Vardenafil (e.g., Levitra)—These medicines which treat sexual impotence should not be used together with nitrates. You should tell your doctor right away if you are taking one of these drugs.

http://www.drugs.com/cons/nitrates.html

Here is an AHA Journal article on nitro (link) that has a little history and how and when to use it. It's been around for a long time!

Imdur

 

Imdur is another nitrate.

 

"When taken orally and swallowed, nitrates are used to reduce the number of angina attacks that occur. They do not act fast enough to relieve the pain of an angina attack."

http://www.drugs.com/cons/imdur.html

My doctor gave me a perscription for some 0.4 sublingual nitro pills since I kept having pains whenever my heart got pumping to much... Of course now that I have them I`ve only had that pain once...Maybe just knowing I have them handy in my bag makes my heart behave itself