To stop an angina attack

Sit down before you take your nitroglycerin. The medicine may make you feel dizzy because it lowers your blood pressure rapidly.

If you use tablets

• Place 1 tablet under your tongue. Or place it between your lip and gum. Or put it between your cheek and gum.

• Let the tablet dissolve all the way. Don't swallow or chew the tablet.

• Don't eat, drink, smoke, or chew tobacco as the tablet is dissolving.

  

If you use spray

• Prime the pump before use.

• Open your mouth and hold the sprayer just in front of your mouth.

• Press the button on the top. Spray once on or under your tongue. Don't inhale.

• Close your mouth. Then wait a few seconds before you swallow.

After taking 1 tablet or spraying once

• Continue sitting for 5 minutes. 

• If the angina goes away completely, rest for a while. Then continue your normal routine.

 Call 911

Call 911 if your angina lasts longer than 5 minutes and 1 tablet or 1 spray has not relieved it. Don't delay. You may be having a heart attack!

After you call 911, take a second tablet, or spray a second time. Wait another 5 minutes. If the angina still doesn't go away, take a third tablet, or spray a third time. Don't take more than 3 tablets, or spray more than 3 times, within 15 minutes. Stay on the phone with 911 for more instructions.

Precautions

• Limit how much alcohol you drink. Too much alcohol can cause dizziness or fainting.

• Tell your healthcare provider about any medicines, supplements, or herbs you use. Nitroglycerin can interact with other medicines. This can cause serious problems. 

• Don't take phosphodiesterase inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis). These are medicines that help treat sexual function in men. The combination of nitroglycerin with these medicines can cause a severe drop in blood pressure. This can lead to dizziness, fainting, heart attack, or stroke.

• Check when your medicine expires. Nitroglycerin can become less effective over time.

• Keep some nitroglycerin with you at all times.

• Keep nitroglycerin in its original container. Store in a dry place (not the bathroom) away from heat and light.

• Tell your healthcare provider if your angina attacks last longer, occur more often, or are more severe.