If you have been prescribed nitroglycerin tablets for angina pectoris, it's essential to understand when and how to use them effectively. Angina pectoris, often referred to as angina, is a sudden chest pain related to your heart. It occurs when something hinders the blood flow to your heart muscle. Nitroglycerin works by widening your blood vessels, allowing more blood to reach your heart muscle and alleviate the pain.
Your doctor may instruct you to take nitroglycerin before engaging in activities that are likely to trigger angina. For example, you might take it 5 to 10 minutes before:
Exercising
Engaging in physical activities like carrying heavy items, vacuuming, or raking leaves
Having sex (avoid taking erectile dysfunction medications simultaneously)
Facing situations that cause worry, anxiety, or anger
You may also take nitroglycerin when you first notice angina symptoms, which can include:
Aching, discomfort, or pain in your chest, jaw, throat, shoulders, arms, or upper abdomen
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Fatigue
Nausea, a feeling of fullness or bloating, or gas
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking nitroglycerin. This may involve taking it as soon as you feel symptoms, waiting a minute before taking it, or taking more than one pill over several minutes. If you take nitroglycerin as directed and still experience chest pain, seek medical help immediately.
There are certain situations when you should not take nitroglycerin:
If you have already taken the maximum amount of short-acting nitroglycerin prescribed by your doctor
If you know your blood pressure is very low (consult your doctor about this)
If you are taking medication for erectile dysfunction (ED)
Men with heart disease and other long-term health problems are more likely to experience ED. If you or your partner take prescription ED pills like Avanafil (Stendra), Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), or Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn), it's crucial not to take them with nitroglycerin. Both medications lower your blood pressure, and taking them together can cause your blood pressure to drop to a dangerously low level. The American Heart Association warns against this combination.
If you need to take both nitroglycerin and ED medication, discuss with your doctor the appropriate time gap between taking the two medicines. For example, you may need to wait 24 to 48 hours or more between taking your ED medicine and nitroglycerin.
By understanding when to take nitroglycerin and when to avoid it, you can effectively manage your angina and maintain your heart health. Always follow your doctor's guidance and report any concerns or persistent symptoms promptly.
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