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Home > Drug Category > Over The Counter (OTC) Non - Prescription > Nitrostat and Equivalent

Nitrostat Information

Nitrostat (Nitroglycerin) is used for acute relief of a type of chest pain called angina. Angina is a pain or discomfort that keeps coming back when part of your heart does not get enough blood. Angina feels like a pressing or squeezing pain, usually in your chest and sometimes in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaws, or back. Nitrostat helps to relieve this pain. It may also be used before physical activities (such as exercise, sexual activity) to help prevent chest pain. Nitroglycerin belongs to a class of drugs known as nitrates and is a vasodilating agent. Nitrostat works by relaxing blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. Nitrostat is available as sublingual tablets of 0.3 mg and 0.6 mg. Nitrostat sublingual tablets usually give relief in one to five minutes. Please use Nitrostat exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Nitrostat Side Effects

The most common side effect of Nitrostat may include low blood pressure upon rising from a seated position; sweating; paleness; other skin reactions that may be severe. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out (dizziness);
• Blurred vision or dry mouth;
• Heart attack symptoms - chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
• Hypotension: low blood pressure upon rising from a seated position;
• Pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• Severe or throbbing headaches that do not become less severe with continued use;
• Slow heart rate;
• Weakness.

Nitrostat Precautions

Do not use Nitrostat if you are allergic to organic nitrates or any of its non-medicinal ingredients or if you have had a very recent heart attack; severe anemia; increased pressure in the head. Do not take Nitrostat with drugs for erectile dysfunction, like Viagra (sildenafil citrate) or drugs such as diuretics, medications to treat depression, blood thinners. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have low blood pressure; anemia; dehydration; have had a recent head injury; if you are pregnant or are breast feeding. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Nitrostat and other medications. Nitrostat may cause a false test result of decreased serum cholesterol. Do not consume alcohol while taking Nitrostat, as this can lower your blood pressure. Nitrostat should not be used by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Do I need a prescription to order Nitrostat?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Nitrostat.