glyceryl trinitrate

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum:  

Glyceryl trinitrate produces free nitric oxide radicals. They activate guanylate cyclase and raise guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in smooth muscle.  

They dilate coronary arteries and enhance collateral flow to ischemic areas, also lowering cardiac oxygen demand.  

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Methemoglobinemia  

Hypoxaemia  

Vertigo  

Paradoxical bradycardia  

Severe hypotension  

Tachycardia  

Asthenia  

Cerebral ischemia  

Restlessness  

Syncope  

Orthostatic hypotension  

Increase in intracranial pressure  

Black Box Warning

Black box warning  

None  

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:  

Contraindication:  

Increased cranial pressure  

Extreme bradycardia  

Severe hypotension  

Migraine  

Cautions:  

Lung disease  

Cerebrovascular disease  

Hypothyroidism  

Orthostatic dysfunction  

Hepatic impairment  

Renal impairment  

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy Warnings: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion of the drug into the human breast milk is unknown 

Pregnancy categories: 

Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no evidence of risk to the fetus in the first trimester or in the later trimester. 

Category B: No evidence of risk to fetus found in animal reproduction studies and there are not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for an effect in humans, care must be taken for potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: There is adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite potential risks may be used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category clearly outweigh risks over benefits. These category drugs should be prohibited for pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

Glyceryl trinitrate is known as nitroglycerin. It is an anti-anginal agent used mainly in the treatment of angina pectoris.  

Pharmacodynamics:  

Glyceryl trinitrate causes vasodilation and decreases preload. It enters vascular smooth muscle and gets converted to nitric oxide thus it leads to the activation of cGMP and vasodilation.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption   

It is rapidly absorbed from the sublingual mucosa.  

Distribution  

It is widely distributed in the body.   

Metabolism  

It undergoes hepatic metabolism. 

Elimination and excretion  

It is eliminated through urinary route. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

It is taken orally as oral dosage form.  

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet  

Generic Name: glyceryl trinitrate  

Why do we use glyceryl trinitrate?  

Glyceryl trinitrate is indicated in the treatment of angina pectoris.  

It is also used to treat myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure and unstable angina.