Brand Names: Minitran, Nitrek, Nitro TD Patch-A, Nitro-Dur

Generic Name: nitroglycerin (transdermal) (Pronunciation: NYE troe GLIS er in)

• 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 is nitroglycerin transdermal (Nitro-Dur)?

Nitroglycerin is in a group of drugs called nitrates. Nitroglycerin dilates (widens) blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through them and easier for the heart to pump.

Nitroglycerin transdermal is used to prevent attacks of chest pain (angina).

Nitroglycerin transdermal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of nitroglycerin transdermal (Nitro-Dur)?

Nitroglycerin transdermal can cause severe headaches, especially when you first start using it. These headaches may gradually become less severe as you continue to use nitroglycerin transdermal. Do not stop using the medication. Ask your doctor before using any headache pain medication.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• worsening chest pain, slow heart rate;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• fast or pounding heartbeats; or
• blurred vision and dry mouth.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild skin rash or itching;
• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin;
• nausea, vomiting, upset stomach; or
• feeling nervous, weak, or dizzy.

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.

Read the Nitro-Dur (nitroglycerin) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about nitroglycerin transdermal (Nitro-Dur)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur), or isosorbide dinitrate (BiDil, Isordil).

Before using nitroglycerin transdermal, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, glaucoma, anemia, or a history of heart attack, stroke, or head injury.

Do not use this medication to treat an angina attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough.

Nitroglycerin transdermal can cause severe headaches, especially when you first start using it. Do not stop using the skin patches, and ask your doctor before using any headache pain medication.

Nitroglycerin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as worsening chest pain, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, vomiting, sweating, blurred vision and dry mouth, or fainting.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of nitroglycerin.

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.