Nitroglycerin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 25, 2024.

Applies to nitroglycerin: rectal ointment.

Other dosage forms:

• capsule extended release, packet, spray, tablet
• intravenous solution
• transdermal ointment, transdermal patch extended release

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Do not take sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), or vardenafil (Levitra®) while you are using this medicine. Using these medicines together may cause blurred vision, dizziness, lightheadedness, low blood pressure, or fainting.

This medicine may cause headaches. The headaches are a sign that the medicine is working. Do not stop using the medicine or change how you use it to avoid the headaches. If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up quickly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly will help. You should also limit the amount of alcohol you drink to prevent more dizziness. If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor.

This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Common side effects of nitroglycerin

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:

Serious side effects of nitroglycerin

Along with its needed effects, nitroglycerin 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:

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 adverse events

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]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• How do you take GoNitro to treat an angina attack (chest pain)?
• What is the shelf life of nitroglycerin tablets?

Further information

Nitroglycerin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer