Nitroglycerin Skin Patches Description

Generic Name : NITROGLYCERIN SKIN PATCHES

Pronunciation : (nye troe gli' ser in)

Trade Name(s) : Nitroderm TTS

Why it is prescribed: Nitroglycerin affects the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart and is used to prevent chest pain. Nitroglycerin skin patches are not used to relive chest pain during an attack.

When it is to be taken: Nitroglycerin skin patches usually are applied once a day, preferable at the same time every day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand.

How it should be taken:
1. Nitroglycerin skin patches contain a 24 hours supply of nitroglycerin in a specially designed material that releases the drug for absorption through your skin into the bloodstream.
2. Follow the patient instructions provided with the product. Apply the patch to clean, dry skin that is relatively free to hair on your body or upper arm.
3. Avoid irritated, broken, and calloused skin. Select a different area such day to avoid skin irritation.
4. If the patch loosens or falls off, replace it with a fresh one. Fold the used patch in half with sticky sides together and dispose of it carefully. The patch still contains active medication that could be harmful to children or pets.

Special Instruction :
1. Contact your doctor if you continue to have angina attacks despite of using nitroglycerin.
2. Do not stop using it without consulting your doctor. Stopping the drug abruptly may cause chest pair.
3. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually. Keep all appointments with your doctor and report any chest pain that you experience.
4. Nitroglycerin can lose its effectiveness over time. Contact your doctor if the frequency, severity, or duration of your angina worsens.
5. Follow your doctor's instructions to stop smoking, lose weight, rest, and avoid situations that cause angina e.g., heavy meals, emotional upsets, strenuous exercise, and cold weather.
6. If you forget to apply a dose, apply the missed skin patch as soon as you remember it. Do not apply two skin patches to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects :
1. Headache. If it persists, ask your doctor if you may take aspirin or acetaminophen.
2. Your nitroglycerin dose may need to be adjusted. Do not take any medication for headache without consulting your doctor.
3. Skin irritation. Apply the patch to a different skin area each day. If irritation persists, contact your doctor.
4. Dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, and faintness, especially while standing still or when in a warm place. Lie or sit down. Contact your doctor if these effects persist or if you faint.
5. Upset stomach. Contact your doctor if this problem is severe or persists.
6. Blurred vision, dry mouth, skin rash. Contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Before you use nitroglycerin, tell your doctor if you ever had a bad reaction to amly nitrite, erythrityl tetranitrate, isosorbide dinitrate, or pentaerythritol tetranitrate.
2. Before you use nitroglycerin, tell you doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially high blood pressure medication, beta blockers, and tranquilizers.
3. Ask your doctor for advice about the safe use of alcoholic beverages; alcohol can make side effects from nitroglycerin skin patches worse.
4. Do not allow anyone else to use this medication.

Storage Conditions : Keep this medication out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature.