NitroQuick Side Effects
Generic name: nitroglycerin
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 29, 2024.
Note: This document contains side effect information about nitroglycerin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name NitroQuick.
Applies to nitroglycerin: rectal ointment. Other dosage forms:
- capsule extended release, packet, spray, tablet
- intravenous solution
- transdermal ointment, transdermal patch extended release
Serious side effects of NitroQuick
Along with its needed effects, nitroglycerin (the active ingredient contained in NitroQuick) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking nitroglycerin:
Rare
- Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms
- dark urine
- difficulty with breathing
- difficulty with swallowing
- fast heartbeat
- feeling of warmth
- fever
- hives
- itching
- pale skin
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
- shortness of breath
- skin rash
- tightness in the chest
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- wheezing
Incidence not known
- Blurred vision
- confusion
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- sweating
Other side effects of NitroQuick
Some side effects of nitroglycerin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- headache
Incidence not known
- Cracks in the skin
- loss of heat from the body
- red, swollen skin
- scaly skin
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to nitroglycerin: buccal tablet extended release, intravenous solution, oral capsule extended release, rectal ointment, sublingual powder, sublingual spray, sublingual tablet, transdermal film extended release, transdermal ointment.
General
The most common side effect is headache.[Ref]
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 64%)
Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, vertigo, drowsiness
Rare (0.1% to 0.01%): Severe and prolonged headache
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cerebral ischemia
Frequency not reported: Faintness, somnolence[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, angina increased, paradoxical bradycardia, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, blood pressure decreased, facial flushing
Uncommon (0.1 to 1%): Circulatory collapse
Rare (less than 0.1%): Bradycardia, cyanosis, flushing, heart rate increase
Frequency not reported: Crescendo angina, rebound hypertension, palpitations, hypertension, decreased arterial oxygen tension, severe arterial hypotension with bradycardia, transient flushing[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Dry mouth
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Heartburn, halitosis
Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, retching, lip and tongue swelling[Ref]
Dermatologic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dermatitis contact, erythema, pruritus, burning, irritation, eczema, urticaria
Rare (0.01 to 0.1%): Allergic skin reactions, rash
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Exfoliative dermatitis, drug rash
Frequency not reported: Cutaneous flushing, diaphoresis, angioedema
Postmarketing reports: Rash generalized[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, weakness
Frequency not reported: Retrosternal discomfort[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylaxis
Frequency not reported: Allergic reaction, anaphylactoid reaction[Ref]
Psychiatric
Common (1% to 10%): Restlessness
Frequency not reported: Apprehension[Ref]
Respiratory
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Impairment of respiration
Frequency not reported: Hypoxemia, dyspnea[Ref]
Hematologic
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Methemoglobinemia[Ref]
Ocular
Rare (less than 0.1%): Blurred vision
Frequency not reported: Increased ocular pressure[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Frequency not reported: Muscle twitching[Ref]
Frequently asked questions
- How do you take GoNitro to treat an angina attack (chest pain)?
- What is the shelf life of nitroglycerin tablets?
More about NitroQuick (nitroglycerin)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: antianginal agents
- Breastfeeding
Patient resources
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Professional resources
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Related treatment guides
References
1. Product Information. Tridil (nitroglycerin). DuPont Pharmaceuticals. 2002;PROD.
2. Product Information. Nitrostat (nitroglycerin). Parke-Davis. 2002;PROD.
3. Product Information. Nitrolingual (nitroglycerin). First Horizon Pharmaceutical Corporation. 2004.
4. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
5. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.