NITROGLYCERIN

Course overview

NITROGLYCERIN IS A VASODILATORY DRUG USED PRIMARILY TO PROVIDE RELIEF FROM ANGINAL CHEST PAIN. IT IS CURRENTLY FDA APPROVED FOR THE ACUTE RELIEF OF AN ATTACK OR ACUTE PROPHYLAXIS OF ANGINA PECTORIS SECONDARY TO CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE. OFF-LABEL, NON-FDA APPROVED USES INCLUDE TREATMENT FOR HYPERTENSIVE URGENCY/EMERGENCY, CORONARY ARTERY SPASM, ANGINA SECONDARY TO COCAINE USE, CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE (CHF), AND CHRONIC ANAL FISSURES. THIS ACTIVITY OUTLINES THE INDICATIONS, MECHANISM OF ACTION, METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION, IMPORTANT ADVERSE EFFECTS, CONTRAINDICATIONS, MONITORING, AND TOXICITY OF NITROUS OXIDE, SO PROVIDERS CAN DIRECT PATIENT THERAPY SUCCESSFULLY IN INSTANCES WHERE NITROUS OXIDE PROVIDES A BENEFIT TO PATIENT CARE.