Cardiology · Nitrate
Nitroglycerin (GTN)
Dose
Sublingual 0.4–0.8 mg PRN. IV 10–200 mcg/min titrate to BP/pain.
Mechanism
NO release → venous (low dose) and arterial (high dose) vasodilation
Contraindications
- • SBP <90
- • RV infarct
- • Sildenafil/tadalafil last 24–48 h
- • Severe AS
Use
ACS, pulmonary oedema, hypertensive emergency.
Monitoring
BP q5–10 min during IV infusion.
Side effects
- • Headache
- • Hypotension
- • Tachyphylaxis
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
