Medication Information Leaflet

What is this medication for?

How should I take or use this medication?

• Glyceryl trinitrate is available in different forms, namely sublingual (under the tongue) tablets, mouth sprays and skin patches.
   
• GTN sublingual tablets or mouth spray can be used to relieve angina attacks or to prevent an expected angina attack, e.g. moments before exercising. Symptoms of an angina attack may include one or more of the following:
  
  • Chest pain/ chest tightness
  • Shortness of breath 
  • May also be accompanied with heavy sweating, or pain that spreads to your jaw, arm or back.
     
• The tablet or spray should be used at the first sign of an attack of angina. Do not wait until severe pain occurs. This medication usually provides relief within five minutes. 
• If you are using GTN to prevent an expected angina attack, you may dissolve a tablet under your tongue if using tablets or administer a spray under the tongue if using spray, five to ten minutes before you participate in an activity that could cause angina, such as exercise.
   
• Directions on how to take GTN sublingual tablets:
  • Place a tablet under your tongue when you experience chest pain. Do not swallow the tablet. 
  • If the pain is not relieved after five minutes, use a second tablet. 
  • If the pain is still not relieved after five minutes, use a third tablet. If you still have pain after using the third tablet, seek medical help or call for an ambulance (995) immediately. . 
  • While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, continue placing a tablet under your tongue every five minutes if your pain continues.
     
• Directions on how to use GTN mouth spray:
  • Before using GTN mouth spray for the first time, check that the spray is working by pressing the spray button a few times until it produces a fine liquid mist.
  • If you do not need to use GTN mouth spray very often, remember to check the spray regularly to see that it still works properly.
  • Remove the plastic cover, and do NOT shake the plastic bottle.
  • Hold the bottle upright and close to your mouth, and point the nozzle at the area under your tongue. Press the button to deliver one spray under your tongue.
  • Release the button and close your mouth. Avoid swallowing immediately after using the spray, and do NOT inhale the spray.
  • Spray once under the tongue when you have chest pain or breathing difficulties.
  • If the pain is not relieved after five minutes, use a second spray. 
  • If the pain is still not relieved after five minutes, use a third spray. If you still have pain after using the third spray, seek medical help or call for an ambulance (995) immediately.
  • Do not use GTN spray if you are near a naked flame, e.g. a cigarette.
     
• GTN patches are applied to the skin to reduce the number of angina attacks.
• Directions on how to use GTN patch:
  • Apply the patch to clean, dry skin with little or no hair, free from scars, cuts or irritation.
  • Remove the previous patch before applying a new one, and apply a new patch if the patch falls off or comes loose.
  • Apply each patch to a different area of the skin to prevent skin irritation.
  • Do not trim or cut the adhesive patch to adjust the dosage of GTN. Speak to your doctor if you see the need to adjust your dosage, or if you think your medication is not working.
  • The dose of GTN is different for different patients; follow your doctor’s instructions on when to apply and remove the skin patch. The patch is usually left on for 12 hours a day.
• If you have been using this medication regularly for several weeks or more, do not stop using suddenly. Stopping your medication suddenly may cause angina attacks. Ask your doctor for recommendations on how to reduce the dose slowly before stopping completely.
   

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

What are some common side effects of this medication?

Side effects may include:
 

• Dizziness, lightheadedness or faintness
  • This may occur especially when you get up quickly from lying or sitting down. Getting up slowly or changing posture slowly may help. Take a rest by sitting or lying down if you feel dizzy.
  • This is also more likely to happen if you drink alcohol, stand for a long period of time, exercise or when the weather is hot. Do limit the amount of alcohol you drink while you are on Nitrates. Do take extra care during exercise, when the weather is hot or if you need to stand for long periods of time.
• Temporary headache
  • This is a common side effect that will go away after taking the medication for a while. You may choose to take painkillers such as Paracetamol at the start of using Nitrates, to relieve the temporary headaches. Consult your healthcare professional if the headaches do not go away or become worse.
• Flushing or redness of the skin
   
• Fast heartbeat 
• Nausea and Vomiting 

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
   

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

How should I store this medication?

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Disclaimer