GTN Spray
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Medley Pharmaceuticals |
| Active Ingredient | Nitroglycerin (0.4mg) |
| Salt Synonyms | Glyceryl Trinitrate |
| Storage | Store below 30°C |
| Chemical Class | Nitrates {Short acting} |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | CARDIAC |
| Action Class | NO Donors |
| User Rating | 4.3 |
| User Reviews | 610 |
FAQ
Can I stop using GTN as I feel better now?
Stopping GTN suddenly may bring on attacks of angina, especially if you have been using it for several weeks or more. Talk to your doctor who will advise you to reduce the dose gradually over 4 to 6 weeks before you stop using it completely.
Does GTN stop heart attacks?
GTN is prescribed to prevent attacks of heart-related chest pain (angina) in patients with coronary artery disease. In this disease the blood vessels (coronary arteries) which supply blood to the heart become narrowed because of which the heart has to work harder to get enough oxygen. GTN prevents angina by relaxing the blood vessels so that the heart does not have to work very hard. Also, relaxation of coronary arteries increases the oxygen supply to the heart.
How long does it take for GTN to act?
GTN starts working very quickly. If the medicine is kept under the tongue, the effect starts 1-3 minutes later and reaches its maximum within 5 minutes.
What does too much GTN do?
Excess GTN may result in low blood pressure, sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache, weak and fast pulse. It may also cause weakness, lightheadedness on standing and the patient might even faint. The patient will require emergency medical treatment in such a case.
What effect does GTN have on blood pressure?
GTN decreases the blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels, but is not recommended for the treatment of high blood pressure. The drop in blood pressure may cause lightheadedness, especially when changing your position suddenly.
Can I take sildenafil if I am taking GTN?
No, you should not take GTN if you have taken sildenafil. Taking these two medicines together may increase the risk of excessive fall in blood pressure, which is hazardous. Maintain a gap of at least 24 hours if you have to use GTN after taking sildenafil.
Does the effect of GTN wear off after sometime?
Yes, excessive use of GTN may cause tolerance which means that GTN may lose its effectiveness on you. Therefore, usually the doctors prescribe the smallest dose required for effective relief of acute angina attack. This helps maintain the effectiveness of GTN.
GTN Spray Reviews
GTN is used to treat and prevent heart-related chest pain (angina). Angina occurs when the heart muscle is not getting enough blood. This medicine works by relaxing and widening blood vessels so blood can flow more easily to the heart. It has a very short-lived effect.
GTN should be taken at the first sign of chest pain. It should be used in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Seek medical help immediately if your chest pain continues for more than 15 minutes. Some people may be advised to use this medicine prior to any exertional activity or exercise, which may precipitate angina.
The most common side effect of this medicine is a headache which may be severe. This can sometimes be helped by drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding alcohol. You may also experience lightheadedness, which could increase your risk of having a fall, and other side effects such as flushing, weakness, and increased heart rate.
Do not use this medicine if you are taking medicines to treat high blood pressure in your lungs (pulmonary hypertension), or erectile dysfunction; or if you have anemia or glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye). Always tell your doctor what other health conditions you have and what other medicines you are taking. It is best not to drink alcohol with this medicine as it increases some of the side effects. If you are affected by dizziness, avoid driving. If you are pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before taking this medicine.
GTN should be taken at the first sign of chest pain. It should be used in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Seek medical help immediately if your chest pain continues for more than 15 minutes. Some people may be advised to use this medicine prior to any exertional activity or exercise, which may precipitate angina.
The most common side effect of this medicine is a headache which may be severe. This can sometimes be helped by drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding alcohol. You may also experience lightheadedness, which could increase your risk of having a fall, and other side effects such as flushing, weakness, and increased heart rate.
Do not use this medicine if you are taking medicines to treat high blood pressure in your lungs (pulmonary hypertension), or erectile dysfunction; or if you have anemia or glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye). Always tell your doctor what other health conditions you have and what other medicines you are taking. It is best not to drink alcohol with this medicine as it increases some of the side effects. If you are affected by dizziness, avoid driving. If you are pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before taking this medicine.
How GTN Spray Works
GTN is a nitrate. It works by improving blood supply to heart and relaxing the blood vessels which decreases the oxygen demand of the heart and reduces its workload. It thus prevents/treats attacks of angina (chest pain). Relaxation of blood vessels lowers blood pressure.
How to Use GTN Spray
To use the spray, open your mouth, lift your tongue and press the bottle button down firmly to spray the medicine under your tongue. Close your mouth after you have sprayed the dose. You should not shake the bottle before use. GTN may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Benefits of GTN Spray
- In Treatment of Angina (heart-related chest pain): GTN helps in prevention as well as treatment of angina. Angina is a chest pain that is usually caused by narrowing of the blood vessels which supply your heart. This means your heart does not get enough oxygen. GTN works quickly to relax the muscles and blood vessels in your heart so more blood (and oxygen) gets to your heart. This reduces the pain and discomfort that angina causes.You should take this medicine at the first sign of chest pain. If the first tablet does not work, you can take a second tablet after 5 minutes. However, if your chest pain does not go away after 15 minutes, you should get urgent medical attention. This could be a sign of a heart attack. GTN also helps prevent chest pain if taken before exercising or doing other strenuous activities.
Uses of GTN Spray
- Treatment of Angina (heart-related chest pain)
GTN Spray Side Effects
Safety Tips
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
GTN is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
Pregnancy
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
GTN is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
Alcohol
UNSAFE
Consuming alcohol while taking GTN may cause symptoms such as flushing, increased heart beat, nausea, thirst, chest pain and low blood pressure (Disulfiram reaction).
Driving
UNSAFE
GTN may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
GTN is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of GTN may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of GTN in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
Quick Tips
- It may cause headaches which usually go away after a few days of continued treatment. Inform your doctor if it persists.
- You may develop tolerance to GTN with time, meaning that the same dose may be less effective next time. Follow the prescribed dosing schedule to avoid this.
- Stop taking medications (prescribed for erectile dysfunction) like sildenafil or tadalafil while on treatment with GTN as it may cause low blood pressure.
- GTN may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how it affects you.
- Do not consume alcohol while taking GTN as it may cause increased dizziness.
References
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 986-88.
- Nitroglycerin Sublingual Tablets. New York, New York: Parke-Davis; 2014.
- Katzung BG, Chatterjee K. Vasodilator & the Treatment of Angina Pectoris. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 191, 195-97.
- Glyceryl trinitrate [Package leaflet: Information for the user]. Łyszkowice, Poland: Orifarm Manufacturing Poland Sp. z o.o.; 2022.
- Michel T, Hoffman BB. Treatment of Myocardial Ischemia and Hypertension. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 747-55.
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006. Nitroglycerin. [Updated 2018 Oct 31].
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).