Drugs and Supplements

Prescription Drugs

NitroMist, Nitroglycerin, side effects, drug interactions, overdose, dosage

NitroMist

Generic name: Nitroglycerin


What is NitroMist?

Return to top

NitroMist is a nitrate vasodilator which has effects on both arteries and veins. It is sprayed on or under the tongue at the onset of chest pain to prevent and treat an angina attack.


What is the most important information I should know about NitroMist?

Return to top

NitroMist may cause severe low blood pressure. Treatment with nitroglycerin products such as NitroMist may be associated with lightheadedness, especially just after rising from a laying or seated position. This effect may be more frequent in patients who have consumed alcohol, since alcohol use contributes to hypotension. If possible, patients should be seated when taking NitroMist. This reduces the likelihood of falling due to lightheadedness or dizziness.

Frequent use of NitroMist may cause you to have a decreased response to treatment.

Nitrate therapy may worsen angina and other heart-related diseases.


Who should not take NitroMist?

Return to top

Do not take NitroMist if you are using erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Cialis (tadalafil).

Patients who have severe anemia or increased intracranial pressure should not receive NitroMist.

You cannot take NitroMist if you are hypersensitive to NitroMist or to other nitrates or nitrites. Hypersensitivity skin reactions have been observed with nitrates.


What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of NitroMist?

Return to top

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking, before beginning treatment with NitroMist. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.


What is the usual dosage?

Return to top

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

This product delivers 400 micrograms (mcg) of nitroglycerin per spray.

Onset of attack

Adults: Spray 1 to 2 sprays on or under the tongue. One spray may be repeated approximately every 5 minutes as needed. No more than 3 sprays are recommended within a 15-minute period.

Prevention treatment

Adults: 1 to 2 sprays on or under the tongue 5 to 10 minutes before the activity that may trigger an attack.


How should I take NitroMist?

Return to top

At the onset of an attack, administer 1 or 2 sprays on or under tongue. Wait 5 minutes and repeat if needed. No more than 3 sprays are recommended within a 15 minutes period. Do not spit or rinse your mouth for 5 to 10 minutes following administration.

NitroMist may be used prophylactically (preventative treatment) 5 to 10 minutes before engaging in activities that might precipitate an acute attack.

During use, you should rest in a sitting position. The container should be held in an upright position. The dose should be sprayed into the mouth on or under the tongue by pressing the button firmly and the mouth should be closed immediately after each dose. The spray should not be inhaled.

If chest pain persists after a total of 3 sprays, quick medical attention is recommended.

Changes in NitroMist dosage may cause severe headaches.

If the product is not used for more than 6 weeks, re-prime the pump with 2 sprays.


What should I avoid while taking NitroMist?

Return to top

Avoid activities requiring coordination until drug effects are realized, as drug may cause dizziness. Do not use this medication along with erectile dysfunction drugs such as sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil.


What are possible food and drug interactions associated with NitroMist?

Return to top

If NitroMist is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining NitroMist with the following: alcohol, aspirin, calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine or diltiazem, ergotamine, heparin, labetolol, sildenafil, tadalafil, tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) therapy, and vardenafil.


What are the possible side effects of NitroMist?

Return to top

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: collapse, flushing, headache, low blood pressure and dizziness upon standing, nausea, pallor, palpitations, sweating, syncope, vomiting, weakness


Can I receive NitroMist if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Return to top

The effects of NitroMist during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.


What should I do if I miss a dose of NitroMist?

Return to top

Nitromist is taken as needed. If the product is not used for more than 6 weeks, the canister can be re-primed with 2 sprays.


How should I store NitroMist?

Return to top

Store at room temperature.