NITROSTAT
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING NITROSTAT.
NITROGLYCERIN - SUBLINGUAL (nye-troh-GLISS-er-in)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Nitrostat
USES:
Nitroglycerin relaxes blood vessels allowing more blood to flow
through. This reduces the workload on the heart and improves blood
flow to the heart. Sublingual nitroglycerin tablets act quickly to
relieve chest pain (angina).
HOW TO TAKE NITROSTAT:
At the first sign of chest pain, sit down and place one tablet under
the tongue or between your cheek and gum allowing it to dissolve.
The drug is absorbed directly through the lining of the mouth. Do
not chew or swallow the tablet. Do not eat, drink or smoke while the
nitroglycerin is in your mouth. Effects should begin in 1 to 3
minutes. If after 5 minutes there is no relief of chest pain, take
another tablet. If there is no relief after taking three tablets,
call your doctor immediately or go to a hospital emergency room.
Carry NITROSTAT with you at all times.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Headache, dizziness, flushing, rapid heartbeat or restlessness may
occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or
become bothersome, inform your doctor. To prevent dizziness and
lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up
slowly. Notify your doctor if you experience blurred vision, dry
mouth, skin rash or nausea. Headache is often a sign the medication
is working. Treat headaches with an aspirin or non-aspirin pain
reliever as recommended by your doctor. If the headaches continue or
become severe, notify your doctor. In the unlikely event you have an
allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before using NITROSTAT tell your doctor your medical history
especially of:
heart problems, head injury or surgery, glaucoma, thyroid
conditions, anemia, alcohol usage, any drug allergies. Use caution
engaging in activities that require alertness or in operating
machinery if NITROSTAT makes you dizzy or drowsy. Alcoholic
beverages may increase the risk of fainting or of experiencing
dizziness. NITROSTAT should be used during pregnancy only if clearly
needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not
known if NITROSTAT is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor
before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all medications you may use including
prescription and nonprescription drugs and especially:
drugs for high blood pressure, certain migraine drugs (ergot
alkaloids), sildenafil, aspirin. Do not start or stop any medicine
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include a
persistent, throbbing headache; dizziness; confusion; weakness;
sweating; changes in heart rate; changes in vision; flushing;
nausea; and vomiting.
NOTES:
Some persons may develop a tolerance to the effects of NITROSTAT
over time. Notify your doctor if the medication appears to be losing
its effectiveness or if the chest pain continues while taking
NITROSTAT.
MISSED DOSE:
NITROSTAT is used only at the onset of an attack of chest pain or 10
to 15 minutes before engaging in an activity that may cause chest
pain. NITROSTAT is not for routine use.
STORAGE:
If the bottle of tablets contains cotton, remove it and throw the
cotton away. Replacing the cotton in the bottle may cause the
medication to lose its effectiveness. Store NITROSTAT at room
temperature away from heat, moisture and sunlight. Store in its
original glass bottle and keep it tightly closed. Do not store in
the bathroom. Tablets are effective for up to 6 months after opening
a bottle. Discard any unused tablets after 6 months.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For
information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In
Canada call 1-800-668-1507.
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