nitroglycerin (rectal)
What is the most important information I should know about nitroglycerin rectal? Back to top
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You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nitroglycerin or any other nitrate medication. This includes isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate, Isordil, Isochron), isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket), or nitroglycerin used in a pill form or spray under the tongue, or as a skin patch or ointment (Minitran, Nitrek, Nitro-Bid, Nitro-Dur, Nitrolingual, Nitromist, Nitrostat, Nitro-Time, and others.) |
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Do not use nitroglycerin rectal if you are taking sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio), avanafil (Stendra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra). Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you use nitroglycerin rectal while you are using sildenafil. |
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You also should not use nitroglycerin rectal if you have: severe anemia (a lack of red blood cells), or a brain injury, hemorrhage, or tumor. |
Before using nitroglycerin rectal, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, glaucoma, liver disease, migraine headaches, or a history of heart attack, stroke, or circulation problems.
Do not use this medication without the advice of a doctor if you have early signs of a heart attack (chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling). Seek emergency medical attention if you have symptoms of a heart attack.
Nitroglycerin rectal can cause severe headaches, which may occur each time you use the medication. Your doctor may recommend treating fever and pain with an aspirin free pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Follow the label directions or your doctor's instructions about how much of this medicine to use.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using nitroglycerin rectal? Back to top
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Do not use nitroglycerin rectal if you are taking sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio), avanafil (Stendra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra). Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you use nitroglycerin rectal while you are using sildenafil. |
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You should not use this medication if you are allergic to: |
- isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate, Isordil, Isochron);
- isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket); or
- nitroglycerin used in a pill form or spray under the tongue, or as a skin patch or ointment (Minitran, Nitrek, Nitro-Bid, Nitro-Dur, Nitrolingual, Nitromist, Nitrostat, Nitro-Time, and others).
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You also should not use nitroglycerin rectal if you have: |
- severe anemia (a lack of red blood cells); or
- a brain injury, hemorrhage, or tumor.
Do not use this medication if you have early signs of a heart attack (chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling). Seek emergency medical attention if you have symptoms of a heart attack.
To make sure you can safely use nitroglycerin rectal, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
- congestive heart failure;
- a history of heart attack, stroke, or circulation problems;
- low blood pressure;
- glaucoma;
- migraine headaches; or
- liver disease.
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FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether nitroglycerin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. |
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It is not known whether nitroglycerin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
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Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice. |
How should I use nitroglycerin rectal? Back to top
Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
It may take up to 3 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse while using nitroglycerin ointment. Do not use this medication for longer than 3 weeks unless your doctor tells you to.
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Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use. Throw away any nitroglycerin rectal ointment you have not used within 8 weeks after you first opened the tube. |
What happens if I overdose? Back to top
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Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. |
Overdose symptoms may include fainting.
What should I avoid while using nitroglycerin rectal? Back to top
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This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall. |
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Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of nitroglycerin, such as dizziness, drowsiness, feeling light-headed, or fainting. |
What are the possible side effects of nitroglycerin rectal? Back to top
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Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. |
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Nitroglycerin rectal can cause severe headaches, which may occur each time you use the medication. Your doctor may recommend treating fever and pain with an aspirin free pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Follow the label directions or your doctor's instructions about how much of this medicine to use. |
Less serious side effects may include:
- dizziness; or
- mild headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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