An Overview of Uses for Nitroglycerin Spray
Nitroglycerin spray (
Nitrolingual®,
NitroMist®) is a prescription mouth spray specifically approved for treating
angina pectoris associated with
coronary artery disease. This means that it is approved to relieve episodes of chest pain due to coronary artery disease (also known as coronary
heart disease), a condition in which the small blood vessels that supply oxygen to the heart become too narrow to adequately supply the heart with enough blood and oxygen.
Nitroglycerin spray is also approved for use immediately prior to activities that will likely result in chest pain. Typically, these activities involve physical exertion.
Nitroglycerin spray does not work long enough to prevent future attacks of
angina. If you find that you are having frequent angina attacks, talk with your healthcare provider about a longer-acting form of nitroglycerin or another form of treatment that is more appropriate for such situations.
How Does This Medicine Work?
Nitroglycerin spray works by relaxing the veins and arteries of the body. With the arteries and veins relaxed, the heart does not need to work so hard and does not require as much oxygen. Because angina is usually caused when there is not enough oxygen to meet the heart's needs, using nitroglycerin spray can help to relieve angina attacks.
Is It Safe for Children to Use Nitroglycerin Spray?
Nitroglycerin spray is not approved for use in children.
If your healthcare provider recommends this medicine for your child, be sure to discuss the risks and benefits. Because angina due to coronary artery disease is most common in older adults, it would be highly unlikely that a healthcare provider would recommend nitroglycerin spray for a child.
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