Minitran Patch (Nitroglycerin)

People who have very serious kidney problems should not take MINITRAN PATCH.

You should not take MINITRAN PATCH if you have:

• Just had a heart attack
• Severe anemia, a condition in which your levels of red blood cells are low
• Narrow angle glaucoma or increased pressure within the eye
• Used any drugs for erectile dysfunction belonging to a class called phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDEs), like Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), within the last 24 hours
• Any sort of head trauma where you might have swelling or bleeding in the head
• Overactive thyroid condition
• Low systolic blood pressure (SBP)
• A drop in blood pressure while standing

People who take MINITRAN PATCH for long periods of time may find that they seem to build a tolerance to the drug and that it appears to either have stopped working or become less effective. This is known as MINITRAN PATCH tolerance.

The best way to avoid this problem is by taking what is called a "drug holiday," in which you go for a period of at least 10 to 12 hours of not taking the drug. Many patients find it most convenient to take the drug holiday overnight while they are asleep.

It's important to note that you should avoid changing brands (even between generic versions) because there any many different dosage forms and strengths of MINITRAN PATCH.

Make sure that you are getting the exact dose that your doctor intended for you to have of this drug each time you take it.

Pregnancy and MINITRAN PATCH

It's not clear whether taking MINITRAN PATCH during pregnant will harm the fetus.

Additionally, it still remains unclear whether MINITRAN PATCH is found in breast milk, so it's not recommended that breastfeeding mothers take this medication.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking this medication.

You should also alert your physician if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Common Side Effects of MINITRAN PATCH

• Headache
• Low blood pressure
• Fast heartbeat
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Flushing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Feeling of lightheadedness

Serious Side Effects of MINITRAN PATCH

• Fainting or passing out
• Flushing
• Strange sensations in the fingers and toes
• Decreased sweating and increase in body temperature
• Increased bleeding time or slower clotting
• Low platelet count
• Excessive scaliness or shedding of the skin

Rare Side Effect

Methemoglobinemia is a very rare yet serious blood disorder that can happen in people taking MINITRAN PATCH.

Methemoglobinemia is caused by the blood not being able to carry as much oxygen as it normally would.

People with this condition may tire quickly, have trouble exercising as usual, become dizzy, lose consciousness, and have a bluish appearance to the skin and/or nails due to lack of oxygen in the body.

It is always important to share with your doctor and pharmacist all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking.

You should not take MINITRAN PATCH if you are taking the following drugs:

• Stendra (avanafil)
• Adempas (riociguat)
• Viagra (sildenafil)
• Cialis (tadalafil)
• Levitra (vardenafil)

If you are taking any of the following medications talk to your doctor about alternatives to MINITRAN PATCH:

• Arginine
• Acetadote (acetylcysteine)
• Selzentry (maraviroc)
• Medications for Parkinon's disease, like Caberlin (carbegoline), Azilect (rasagiline), and Emsam, Elderpryl or Zelapar (selegiline)
• Ergot-containing medications for migrainesm like Cafergot (ergotamine), Migranal (dihydroergotamine), and Methergine (methylergonovine)

MINITRAN PATCH and Alcohol

Severe reactions have been reported in cases where patients taking high doses of MINITRAN PATCH were also drinking alcohol. It's best to avoid drinking while taking this drug.

MINITRAN PATCH and Grapefruit Juice

To date, it remains unclear as to whether MINITRAN PATCH is processed by the liver the same way as grapefruit juice.

To be on the safe side, it might be a good idea to avoid drinking grapefruit while taking this drug.

To prevent chest pain, you doctor may have you take extended release capsules of MINITRAN PATCH in doses ranging from 2.5 milligrams (mg) to 6.5 mg, every six to eight hours.

Your doctor may gradually increase your dose until you reach the dose that works best for you with little to no side effects.

MINITRAN PATCH patches (Nitro-Dur) can be applied to the skin once a day and should remain on the body for a period of 12 to 14 hours.

It's best to apply the patch to a part of the body that has little or no hair, as long as the area is located somewhere in between the neck and knees. Many patients find it most convenient to place the patch on the chest or back.

Be sure to remove the patch after 12 to 14 hours to avoid becoming tolerant to the medication. Also, rotate areas or sides of the body where you apply the patch to avoid skin irritation.

In cases where you are actually experiencing chest pain, there are special MINITRAN PATCH tablets that can be placed under the tongue. These tablets come in doses of 0.3 mg, 0.4 mg, and 0.6 mg.

In general, you can place one tablet under the tongue to dissolve after your pain begins. However, you should not take any more than three tablets within a 15-minute period.

MINITRAN PATCH Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Missed Dose of MINITRAN PATCH

If you miss a dose of MINITRAN PATCH, try to take it as soon as you remember as long as it is not too close to bedtime or to the usual time of taking your next dose.

However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Don't double up to make up for a missed dose.