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What is the most important information I should know about nitroglycerin topical?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur), or isosorbide dinitrate (BiDil, Isordil).

Before using nitroglycerin topical, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, glaucoma, anemia, or a history of heart attack, stroke, or head injury.

Do not use this medication to treat an angina attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough.

Nitroglycerin topical can cause severe headaches, especially when you first start using it. Do not stop using nitroglycerin, and ask your doctor before using any headache pain medication.

Nitroglycerin topical can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of nitroglycerin topical. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as worsening chest pain, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, vomiting, sweating, blurred vision and dry mouth, or fainting.

What is nitroglycerin topical?

Nitroglycerin is in a group of drugs called nitrates. Nitroglycerin dilates (widens) blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through them and easier for the heart to pump.

Nitroglycerin topical (for the skin) is used to prevent attacks of chest pain (angina).

Nitroglycerin topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using nitroglycerin topical?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur), or isosorbide dinitrate (BiDil, Isordil). Do not use nitroglycerin topical if you are allergic to any type of adhesive on a bandage or other transdermal skin patch.

Before using nitroglycerin topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• congestive heart failure;

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or head injury;

• low blood pressure;

• glaucoma; or

• anemia (lack of red blood cells).

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use nitroglycerin topical.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether nitroglycerin topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you need to have any type of surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are using nitroglycerin topical. The nitroglycerin transdermal patch may burn your skin if you wear the patch during an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Remove the patch before undergoing such a test.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using nitroglycerin skin patches. If you need emergency heart resuscitation, your family or caregivers should tell emergency medical personnel if you are wearing a nitroglycerin skin patch. The patch should be removed before any electrical equipment (such as a defribrillator) is used on you.