Nitroglycerin Side Effects

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

Applies to nitroglycerin: transdermal ointment, transdermal patch extended release.

Other dosage forms:

• capsule extended release, packet, spray, tablet
• intravenous solution
• rectal ointment

Precautions

If you will be using this medicine for a long time, it is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Do not use this medicine if you take riociguat (Adempas®), sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), or vardenafil (Levitra®). Using one of these medicines while treated with nitroglycerin may cause severe drops in blood pressure, blurred vision, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. If you are taking these medicines and you experience an angina attack, you must go to the hospital right away.

This medicine may cause headaches. These headaches are a sign that the medicine is working. Do not stop using the medicine or change the time you use it in order to avoid the headaches. Ask you doctor if you can take aspirin or acetaminophen to treat the headache.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness may occur, especially when you get up quickly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting is also more likely to occur if you drink alcohol, stand for long periods of time, exercise, or if the weather is hot. While you are using this medicine, be careful to limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Also, use extra care during exercise or hot weather or if you must stand for long periods of time.

Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor first. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely.

Tell the doctor in charge that you are using this medicine before having a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Skin burns may occur at the site where the patch is worn during this procedure. Ask your doctor if the patch should be removed before having an MRI scan. You might need to put on a new patch after the procedure.

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:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking nitroglycerin:

Symptoms of overdose

• blurred or loss of vision
• bulging soft spot on the head of an infant
• change in consciousness
• change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
• cold, clammy skin
• disturbed color perception
• double vision
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• halos around lights
• headache, severe and throbbing
• loss of consciousness
• night blindness
• overbright appearance of lights
• paralysis
• sensation of spinning
• tunnel vision

Other 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:

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