What you need to know about GTN (Nitroglycerin) tablets for sudden chest pain

Someone in your family, maybe your father or grandfather, is taking medication for a heart condition. For such people, the doctor has probably given them a small tablet to keep under their tongue when they suddenly feel chest pain or tightness, right? Today we are talking about that very important medicine, that is, Nitroglycerin or the GTN tablet as we all know it. Knowing how to use it properly can help save your life and the lives of your loved ones.

What exactly is GTN (Nitroglycerin)?

Simply put, this is a medicine that is given to treat and prevent a condition called angina. Angina is a severe chest pain that occurs when the heart is not getting enough blood, or oxygen, to function.

Think of our heart as a pump that works non-stop. If the blood vessels that carry blood to this pump become narrow, the heart has to work harder. GTN pills relax the blood vessels in the heart and body, making it easier for blood to flow. This reduces the workload on the heart. This is a medicine in a class of drugs called nitrates.

Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine

It is very important to let your doctor know if you have any of these conditions before prescribing this medication, as using this medication with certain medical conditions can be risky.

• If you have anemia .
• If you have recently had a head injury, head trauma, stroke, or brain hemorrhage .
• If you have liver disease .
• If you have had a previous heart attack .
• If you have an allergic reaction to nitroglycerin or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding .

What is the correct way to use this pill?

This is the most important part. To get the most out of this medicine, you need to use it correctly.

1. Sit down: Sit or lie down comfortably before taking the medicine. This can help prevent falls due to dizziness caused by the medicine.

2. Keep it under the tongue: It is not recommended to swallow this pill with water. Take the pill and place it under the tongue and let it dissolve. If there is saliva in your mouth, it will dissolve faster. If you swallow it by mistake, keep another pill under the tongue.

3. When to use:

• Place one tablet under your tongue as soon as you feel chest pain, tightness, or tightness (angina).
• Also, this pill can be used 5-10 minutes before doing something that may cause chest pain (e.g., exercising, climbing stairs, having sex).

4. Waiting time: Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew tobacco while the tablet is under your tongue.

What to do in an emergency

This is very important, remember it well.

• You should feel relief within 5 minutes of placing the first tablet under your tongue.
• If the pain does not subside after 5 minutes , place another tablet under your tongue.
• In this way, you can take one pill every 5 minutes, up to a maximum of 3 pills (total time 15 minutes).
• Very important: If the pain does not subside after taking the first pill or if the pain seems to be getting worse, do not wait to take another pill and immediately call 1990 for an ambulance or have someone nearby go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU). This could be a sign of a heart attack.

If you accidentally take too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Medicines that should not be used with this medicine and which you should be careful with

This is a matter of life safety. Taking certain medications with GTN is very dangerous.

Inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.

Things to be careful about when using the medicine

• Always keep it with you: This is a medicine you may need in an emergency, so take it with you wherever you go.
• Dizziness: You may feel dizzy or lightheaded after taking this medicine. That's why it's recommended to use it while sitting or lying down. If you feel dizzy, take a few deep breaths, put your legs up, and lie down.
• Standing and sitting: Especially if you are elderly, do not stand or sit up all at once. This reduces the risk of fainting and falling.
• Alcohol: Taking this with alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness. So avoid alcohol.
• Medicines for other conditions: Ask your doctor before taking over-the-counter medicines for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine. Some medicines can increase your blood pressure.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects.

How do I store this medicine?

• Keep it in a safe place out of the reach of children.
• Keep at room temperature (between 20-25 Celsius).
• Keep it in its original bottle, protected from light and moisture, and tightly closed.
• Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date.

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