Nitroglycerin transdermal patches are used to prevent episodes of angina (chest pain) in people who have coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart). Nitroglycerin transdermal patches can only be used to prevent attacks of angina; they cannot be used to treat an attack of angina once it has begun. Nitroglycerin is in a class of medications called vasodilators. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so that the heart does not need to work as hard and therefore does not need as much oxygen
Transdermal nitroglycerin comes as a patch to apply to the skin. It is usually applied once a day, worn for 12 to 14 hours, and then removed. Apply nitroglycerin patches at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use nitroglycerin patches exactly as directed. Do not apply more or fewer patches or apply the patches more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Choose a spot on your upper body or upper arms to apply your patch. Do not apply the patch to your arms below the elbows, to your legs below the knees, or to skin folds. Apply the patch to clean, dry, hairless skin that is not irritated, scarred, burned, broken, or calloused. Choose a different area each day.
You may shower while you are wearing a nitroglycerin skin patch.
If a patch loosens or falls off, replace it with a fresh one.
Wash your hands.
Hold the patch so that the plastic backing is facing you.
Bend the sides of the patch away from you and then toward you until you hear a snap.
Peel off one side of the plastic backing.
Use the other side of the patch as a handle, and apply the stick half to your skin in the spot you have chosen.
Press the sticky side of the patch against the skin and smooth it down.
Fold back the other side of the patch. Hold onto the remaining piece of plastic backing and use it to pull the patch across the skin.
Wash your hands again
When you are ready to remove the patch, press down on its center to lift the edges away from the skin.
Hold the edge gently and slowly peel the patch away from the skin.
Fold the patch in half with the sticky side pressed together and throw it away in a garbage can that is out of the reach of children and pets. The used patch may still contain active medication that can harm others.
Wash the skin that was covered with the patch with soap and water. The skin may be red and may feel warm for a short time. You may apply lotion if the skin is dry, and you should call your doctor if the redness does not go away after a short time.
Nitroglycerin patches may no longer work as well after you have used them for some time. To prevent this, your doctor will probably tell you to wear each patch for only 12-14 hours each day so that there is a period of time when you are not exposed to nitroglycerin every day. If your angina attacks happen more often, last longer, or become more severe at any time during your treatment, call your doctor.
Nitroglycerin patches help prevent attacks of angina but do not cure coronary artery disease. Continue to use nitroglycerin patches even if you feel well. Do not stop using nitroglycerin patches without talking to your doctor.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Apply the missed patch as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time to apply your next patch, skip the missed patch and continue your regular dosing schedule. Remove your patch at your regularly scheduled time even if you applied it later than usual. Do not apply two patches to make up for a missed dose.
lightheadedness
dizziness
redness or irritation of the skin that was covered by the patch
flushing
slow or fast heartbeat
worsening chest pain
fainting
rash
hives
itching
difficulty breathing or swallowing
Nitroglycerin patches may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Dispose of used patches by folding them in half with the sticky side together and placing in a garbage can that is out of the reach of children and pets. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
headache
confusion
fever
dizziness
slow or pounding heartbeat
nausea
vomiting
bloody diarrhea
fainting
shortness of breath
sweating
flushing
cold, clammy skin
loss of ability to move the body
coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time)
seizures
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 11/01/2009
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.