Nitroglycerin Sublingual Tablets

Generic name: Nitroglycerin Sublingual Tablets [ nye-troe-GLI-ser-in ]
Brand name: Nitrostat
Drug classes: Antianginal agents, Vasodilators

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 13, 2023.

Uses of Nitroglycerin Sublingual Tablets:

It is used to treat or prevent chest pain or pressure.
It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Nitroglycerin Sublingual Tablets?

If you are allergic to this medicine (nitroglycerin sublingual tablets); any part of this medicine (nitroglycerin sublingual tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have any of these health problems: Anemia, raised pressure in the head (like with bleeding in the brain or head injury), or recent heart attack.
If you have heart problems.
If you have low blood volume.
If you are taking any of these drugs: Avanafil, riociguat, sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil.
If you are taking any of these drugs: Dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, or methylergonovine.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (nitroglycerin sublingual tablets).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (nitroglycerin sublingual tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Nitroglycerin Sublingual Tablets?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (nitroglycerin sublingual tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this medicine (nitroglycerin sublingual tablets) affects you.
To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
Check your blood pressure as you have been told.
This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take this medicine (nitroglycerin sublingual tablets).
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine (nitroglycerin sublingual tablets).
If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (nitroglycerin sublingual tablets) with care. You could have more side effects.
Taking more of this medicine (nitroglycerin sublingual tablets) or taking it more often than you have been told may cause it to not work as well. This is known as tolerance. Talk with your doctor if this medicine (nitroglycerin sublingual tablets) stops working well. Do not take more than ordered.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Nitroglycerin Sublingual Tablets) best taken?

Use this medicine (nitroglycerin sublingual tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Sit down before use.
Place under tongue and let dissolve all the way. Do not chew, suck or swallow tablet.
If you have dry mouth, it may help to dissolve this medicine (nitroglycerin sublingual tablets) if you have a small sip of water before placing it under your tongue.
Your doctor will tell you how to take this medicine (nitroglycerin sublingual tablets). Be sure you know what your dose is, how often you can take a dose, and when you may need to get medical help. If your doctor does not tell you how to take this medicine (nitroglycerin sublingual tablets) or if you are not sure how to take it, talk with your doctor.
If using this medicine (nitroglycerin sublingual tablets) to prevent chest pain, use it 5 to 10 minutes before activity that may lead to chest pain.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

This medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Very bad dizziness or passing out.
Fast, slow, or abnormal heartbeat.
Flushing.
Blurred eyesight.
Dry mouth.
Sweating a lot.
Pale skin.
Very upset stomach or throwing up.
Restlessness.
Feeling very tired or weak.

What are some other side effects of Nitroglycerin Sublingual Tablets?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Dizziness or headache.
Mouth tingling.
Burning.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Nitroglycerin Sublingual Tablets?

Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Store in original container.
Keep lid tightly closed.
Do not use if this medicine (nitroglycerin sublingual tablets) is out of date.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (nitroglycerin sublingual tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.