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In this Article

• What is nitroglycerin transdermal (Nitro-Dur)?
• What are the possible side effects of nitroglycerin transdermal (Nitro-Dur)?
• What is the most important information I should know about nitroglycerin transdermal (Nitro-Dur)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using nitroglycerin transdermal (Nitro-Dur)?
• How should I use nitroglycerin transdermal (Nitro-Dur)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Nitro-Dur)?
• What happens if I overdose (Nitro-Dur)?
• What should I avoid while using nitroglycerin transdermal (Nitro-Dur)?
• What other drugs will affect nitroglycerin transdermal (Nitro-Dur)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using nitroglycerin transdermal (Nitro-Dur)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur), or isosorbide dinitrate (BiDil, Isordil). Do not use nitroglycerin transdermal if you are allergic to any type of adhesive on a bandage or other transdermal skin patch.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using nitroglycerin transdermal, tell your doctor if you have:

• congestive heart failure;
• a history of heart attack, stroke, or head injury;
• low blood pressure;
• glaucoma; or
• anemia (lack of red blood cells).

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether nitroglycerin is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using nitroglycerin tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether nitroglycerin transdermal 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.

If you need to have any type of surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are using nitroglycerin transdermal.

The nitroglycerin transdermal patch may burn your skin if you wear the patch during an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Remove the patch before undergoing such a test.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using nitroglycerin skin patches. If you need emergency heart resuscitation, your family or caregivers should tell emergency medical personnel if you are wearing a nitroglycerin skin patch. The patch should be removed before any electrical equipment (such as a defribrillator) is used on you.

How should I use nitroglycerin transdermal (Nitro-Dur)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Do not use nitroglycerin transdermal to treat an angina attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough. Your doctor may prescribe an oral form of nitroglycerin (tablet, capsule, spray) to treat an angina attack. Talk with your doctor if any of your medications do not seem to work as well in treating or preventing angina attacks.

The nitroglycerin transdermal skin patch is usually worn for 12 to 14 hours and then removed. A new patch is put on after a "patch-free" period of 10 to 12 hours. Your doctor may want you to wear the patch for longer or shorter periods of time. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Apply the skin patch to a clean, dry, hairless area of the body, below your neck and above your knees or elbows. To remove any hair from these skin areas, clip the hair short but do not shave it.

Press the patch onto the skin and press it down firmly with your fingers. Make sure it is well sealed around the edges.

Wash your hands after applying a nitroglycerin transdermal skin patch.

If the patch falls off, try sticking it back on. If you replace the patch with a new one, leave it on only for the rest of your wearing time. Do not change your patch removal schedule.

After removing a skin patch fold it in half, sticky side in, and throw it away in a place where children or pets cannot get to it. Keep both used and unused nitroglycerin skin patches out of the reach of children or pets.

Do not stop using this medication without your doctor's advice, even if you feel better. You may have increased angina attacks if you stop using the medication suddenly.

Store this medication at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep each skin patch in its sealed pouch until you are ready to use it.