Nitrolingual Pumpspray (Nitroglycerin)
Nitrolingual Pump Spray (Nitroglycerin) Usage and Side Effects
NITROLINGUAL PUMP SPRAY is used in adults for the treatment of acute attacks of angina pectoris – chest pain which occurs when the heart muscle does not get as much blood (hence as much oxygen) as it needs.
Warnings and Precautions
Serious Warnings and Precautions
Headaches or symptoms of low blood pressure, such as weakness or dizziness, especially when you go from lying/sitting to standing up, may be due to taking too much NITROLINGUAL PUMP SPRAY. You may also notice a bluish discolouration to your skin, especially around your lips and mouth. If these symptoms occur, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacists as your dose of NITROLINGUAL PUPM SPRAY may need to be reduced.
BEFORE you use NITROLINGUAL PUMP SPRAY talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you:
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are currently taking any other medications, whether on prescription or otherwise.
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have headaches, weakness or dizziness especially when getting up suddenly from a laying down or sitting position, or symptoms of low blood pressure (hypotension).
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are breast feeding, pregnant, or think you might be pregnant.
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had a heart attack.
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are less than 18 years old.
Tolerance to NITROLINGUAL PUMP SPRAY and similar drugs can occur after long periods of use. Chronic use can lead to angina attacks being brought on more easily. Do not suddenly stop using NITROLINGUAL PUMP SPRAY. Talk to your doctor if you wish to discontinue using NITROLINGUAL PUMP SPRAY.
Driving and using machines:
Temporary dizziness may be associated with the use of NITROLINGUAL PUMP SPRAY. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, operate machinery, or do anything requiring you to be alert.
Avoid alcoholic beverages until you have discussed their use with your doctor.
The spray should be kept away from the eyes and it should not be inhaled.
Side Effects
Side effects may include:
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Headache
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Sore throat and/or mouth, runny nose
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Restlessness
If any of these affects you severely, tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking NITROLINGUAL PUMP SPRAY, contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Interactions with this medication
As with most medicines, interactions with other drugs are possible. Tell your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including drugs prescribed by other doctors, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements, or alternative medicines.
Serious Drug Interactions
If you are currently taking medication for the treatment of impotence (erectile dysfunction) such as CIALIS (tadalafil), LEVITRA (vardenafil), VIAGRA (sildenafil citrate) or any other similar medication (PDE5 inhibitors), the use of NITROLINGUAL PUMP SPRAY may lead to extreme low blood pressure resulting in fainting, heart attack and death.
If you are being treated with any of these drugs and need NITROLINGUAL PUMP SPRAY (e.g. in case of chest pain caused by an acute attack of angina pectoris) please seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
The following may interact with NITROLINGUAL PUMP SPRAY:
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Medications used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) such as:
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Diuretics (“water pills”)
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Calcium Channel Blockers [medications used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and other heart conditions (e.g. diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil)]
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Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g.: imipramine, amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline)
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Antipsychotics (medications used to treat schizophrenia or bipolar depression)
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Medications used to relieve muscle spasms including tizanidine (e.g. Zanaflex)
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Alcoholic beverages (when combined with NITROLINGUAL PUMP SPRAY it may cause your blood pressure to drop too low)
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Topical aesthetics prilocaine/lidocaine (e.g. EMLA)
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Medication used to treat pulmonary hypertension such as riociguat (e.g. Adempas)
Proper Use of this medication
Ideally, you should sit and rest while taking this medication.
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Holding container in upright position, remove the plastic cover.
DO NOT SHAKE.
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The container must be primed prior to the first use. To prime, point away from face, press the button firmly with the forefinger to release one spray. Repeat this 3 times. Now your container is primed and ready for use.
Repriming is only necessary when the container has not been used for more than 14 days. To reprime, release 1 spray as directed previously. There is no need to reprime the container between more frequent usage.
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Hold the container upright with forefinger on top of the grooved button. There is no need to shake the container.
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Open your mouth and bring the container as close to it as possible.
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Press the button firmly with the forefinger to release the spray onto or under the tongue.
DO NOT INHALE THE SPRAY.
KEEP THE SPRAY AWAY FROM EYES.
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Release button and close mouth.
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If you require a second dose, repeat steps 4, 5 and 6.
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Replace the plastic cover.
When using this product for the first time, familiarize yourself with how to use it by testing the spray into the air (away from yourself and others). Get the feel of the finger resting on the groove button so that you can use the spray in the dark.
Usual adult dose:
NITROLINGUAL PUMP SPRAY should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
During an anginal attack, one or two doses should be sprayed onto or under the tongue, without inhaling. Your doctor can help you to discover the exact dose which will be best for you. Administer at rest, ideally in the sitting position. A dose may be repeated twice at 5-10 minute intervals. If the pain persists, seek emergency medical assistance.
MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE A SPARE PUMP SPRAY READILY AVAILABLE (TO PREVENT RUNNING OUT WHEN NEEDED).
Overdose:
Symptoms of overdosage may include: flushing, headache, nausea, dizziness, and hypotension.
If you think you have taken too much NITROLINGUAL PUMP SPRAY contact your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, hospital emergency department or regional Poison control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Other related products
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
