How is nitroglycerin administered?

How is nitroglycerin administered?

Nitroglycerin comes as a sublingual tablet to take under the tongue. The tablets is usually taken as needed, either 5 to 10 minutes before activities that may cause attacks of angina or at the first sign of an attack.

How do EMTs treat chest pain?

How to Treat Chest Pain

1. Call 911. Do not try to ignore or wait out the symptoms, because it could be an indication of a heart attack or other serious medical condition.
2. Chew an aspirin.
3. Take nitroglycerin, if prescribed.
4. Begin CPR, if directed.
5. Use an automated external defibrillator (AED), if available.

Can EMTs administer medications?

EMTs may also perform any procedure or administer any drug contained in the current 7000 (First Responder) or 9000 (Special Operational) Series Protocols.

What is the mechanism of action of nitroglycerin?

Mechanism of Action: Nitroglycerin is denitrated by mALDH in smooth muscle and other cells. This results in the release of nitrite ion, which is then converted to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide that is released stimulates guanylyl cyclase in smooth muscle, producing an increase in cGMP which causes vasodilation.

What is the duration of nitroglycerin action?

After administration, the onset of vasodilatory effects occurs within 1 to 3 minutes, with a max effect occurring within 5 minutes. Nitroglycerin is primarily eliminated via metabolism in the liver and has a mean half-life of approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

How long does nitroglycerin stay in your system?

Nitroglycerin acts in the body for an extremely short period (the half-life is 1 to 4 minutes), although it is metabolized to longer-lived active metabolites.

Can taking nitroglycerin hurt you?

Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and flushing may occur as your body adjusts to this medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Headache is often a sign that this medication is working.

Is it OK to take nitroglycerin every day?

You should take the extended-release capsule first thing in the morning and follow the same schedule each day. This medicine works best if you have a “drug-free” period of time every day when you do not take it. Your doctor will schedule your doses during the day to allow for a drug-free time.

What happens when you take nitroglycerin and you don’t need it?

Nitroglycerin sublingual tablet is used for short-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed. If you don’t take it at all: If you don’t take this drug at all, you may have severe chest pain.

Can you OD on nitroglycerin?

An overdose of nitroglycerin can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include a severe throbbing headache, confusion, fever, fast or pounding heartbeats, dizziness, vision problems, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, trouble breathing, cold or clammy skin, fainting, and seizures.