Glyceryl Trinitrate (GTN)

Question	Answer
Trade names (at least 4)	Anginine - Lycinate - Minitran - Nitrodur - Nitrolingual spray - Nitrostat
Therapeutic class	Antianginal
Pharmaceutical class	Nitrate
Indications	Acute angina Angina prophylaxis Hypertension assoc. post-surgery
Action	Reduces oxygen demand on the heart by reducing pre-load Increases coronary blood flow
Therapeutic effects	Decreases BP and decreases pain assoc. with angina
Absorption	Easily absorbed dermally & sublingually - however PO does have a first pass effect and isn’t completely absorbed into the bloodstream
Metabolism & excretion	Metabolised by the liver and excreted by the kidneys
Half-life	three minutes
Contraindications & precautions	Hypovolaemia Raised intracranial pressure Significant anemia Wear gloves when applying GTN patch
Adverse reactions	CVS: Hypotension, palpitation, peripheral oedema, tachycardia CNS: Headache (treat w/ aspirin), dizziness, weakness GIT: N & V SKIN: rash
Interactions	Combined with antihypertensives can create an increased hypotensive effect Alcohol use can lead to increased hypotension
Nursing assessments	BP Monitor vital signs Pain assessment if required
Education	Caution pt to take drug as prescribed - discontinuation may cause coronary vasospasms - Tell PT to take drug at first sign of chest pain - Tablet needs to be held under tongue - ineffective if swallowed - If pain persists after 10 minutes following 2 doses and rest - seek emergency med. Attention

Resource summary

	Created by Em J over 6 years ago