Nitroglycerin

Nitroglycerin is a very unstable high-explosive. Its chemical composition is propane-1,2,3-triyl trinitrate, a glycerol molecule with three nitro groups substituents on the hydroxy groups.

Medical uses

Nitroglycerin is used to treat chest pain (angina), and can also be used with other drugs to treat congestive heart failure and heart attacks. It works by relaxing the blood vessels to the heart (vasodilation, thereby increasing the blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart. Nitroglycerin can thus reduce chest pain but it does not cure the underlying causes.

Nitroglycerin (as a medicine) comes in the form of a sublingual tablet, buccal tablet, extended-release (long-acting) capsule, or oral spray. The extended-release formulations are usually taken 3-6 times a day to treat chronic or frequently recurring chest pain. The sublingual tablet and spray are used to relieve acute chest pain that has already started, or to prevent pain before activities that are known to provoke attacks (e.g., exercise or cold weather). Common side-effects include headache, rash, dizziness, upset stomach and flushing (feeling of warmth). [1]

Brand names

Nitro-Bid® Nitrogard® Nitroglycerin Slocaps® Nitrolingual® Pumpspray NitroQuick® Nitrostat® Nitrotab® Nitro-Time®