"What is the proper way to take Nitroglycerin?"

Usage of Nitroglycerin

Nitroglycerin should be administered sublingually, not swallowed. Once taken sublingually, it is absorbed by the sublingual veins, enters the heart blood vessels, and exerts its pharmacological effects. During use, it is advisable to lie down as much as possible, as vasodilation can occasionally lead to a drop in blood pressure, causing dizziness and discomfort. Lying down can help mitigate these symptoms. The administration method of nitroglycerin should be tailored to the specific clinical manifestations of the patient. Nitroglycerin is a primary medication for treating angina pectoris and myocardial infarction in clinical practice. It possesses a potent vasodilatory effect. Patients with angina pectoris can directly take nitroglycerin sublingually to alleviate heart spasms and local pain symptoms. For persistent pain that does not improve, continuous administration may be necessary to alleviate symptoms. If nitroglycerin fails to effectively manage pain symptoms, prompt medical attention is required, and treatment methods such as infusion may be employed to improve angina pectoris and myocardial infarction symptoms. Clinically, nitroglycerin is primarily utilized for patients requiring cardiac emergency care.

Function of Nitroglycerin

Nitroglycerin belongs to the nitrate class and enters vascular smooth muscle cells, where it decomposes into nitric oxide. This activates guanylate cyclase within the cells, releasing calcium ions and relaxing the smooth muscle. Its primary pharmacological effects encompass: 1. Dilating coronary arteries and collateral circulation vessels, thereby enhancing blood supply to ischemic regions. 2. Dilating pulmonary veins and peripheral arteries, reducing the heart's preload and afterload. Consequently, nitroglycerin reduces myocardial oxygen consumption, augments cardiac output, and thereby alleviates angina pectoris. Nitroglycerin can be administered during acute angina pectoris attacks, with sublingual administration rapidly relieving angina pectoris. For severe attacks, intravenous nitroglycerin may also be utilized for treatment.