Nitrostat (Nitroglycerin)

BEFORE you use NITROSTAT talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• have hypotension (low blood pressure).
• are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant.
• are breast-feeding.

Like all medications, NITROSTAT can cause some side effects. For most patients, these side effects are likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious. Consult your doctor or pharmacist as soon as you can, if you do not feel well while taking NITROSTAT.

NITROSTAT may cause the following side effects: low blood pressure upon rising from a seated position, sweating, paleness, other skin reactions that may be severe.

NITROSTAT may cause a false test result of decreased serum cholesterol.

NITROSTAT may cause dizziness, vertigo, or fainting. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you are sure that NITROSTAT does not affect your ability to perform these activities.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines including any that you have bought from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food store without a prescription.

Before using NITROSTAT, tell your doctor if you are taking:

• medicines that are used to treat angina, heart failure, or an irregular heartbeat.
• medicines that reduce blood pressure.
• diuretics (water pills).
• medicines to treat depression or psychiatric illness.
• ergotamine or similar drugs for migraine headaches.
• aspirin.
• blood thinner medicine heparin.
• medicines for erectile dysfunction.

Usual adult dose:

Dissolve one tablet underneath the tongue (sublingual use) or in the mouth at the first sign of chest pain.

• You should sit down when taking NITROSTAT tablets and be careful when you stand up. This eliminates the possibility of falling due to light headedness or dizziness.
• The dose may be repeated approximately every 5 minutes, until the chest pain is relieved.
• If the pain persists after a total of 3 tablets in a 15-minute period, or is different than you typically experience, seek emergency medical help.
• NITROSTAT may be used 5 to 10 minutes prior to activities that might cause chest pain.
• You may feel a burning or tingling sensation in your mouth when you take NITROSTAT.
• Always take the tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to. Do not change the dose or stop taking NITROSTAT without talking to your doctor.
• Do not chew, crush, or swallow NITROSTAT tablets.
• Do not consume alcohol while taking NITROSTAT as this can lower your blood pressure.

Overdose:

In case of drug overdose, contact a health care practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.