Applies to nitroglycerin: capsule extended release, packet, spray, tablet. Other dosage forms:

• intravenous solution
• rectal ointment
• transdermal ointment, transdermal patch extended release

Serious side effects of Nitroglycerin

Along with its needed effects, nitroglycerin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking nitroglycerin:

Less common

• Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• difficult or labored breathing
• feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheadedness
• feeling of warmth or heat
• flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
• headache
• rapid weight gain
• sweating
• tightness in the chest
• tingling of the hands or feet
• unusual weight gain or loss

Rare

• Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms
• dark urine
• fever
• pale skin
• rapid heart rate
• sore throat
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• Arm, back, or jaw pain
• blurred vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• chest tightness or heaviness
• confusion
• cough
• cracks in the skin
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fainting
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• feeling of warmth
• hives, itching, or rash
• increased sweating
• loss of heat from the body
• nausea or vomiting
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• red, swollen skin
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• scaly skin
• sensation of spinning
• weakness

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking nitroglycerin:

Symptoms of overdose

• Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms
• blurred or loss of vision
• bulging soft spot on the head of an infant
• change in consciousness
• change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
• cold, clammy skin
• dark urine
• difficulty breathing
• disturbed color perception
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• double vision
• fever
• flushed skin
• halos around lights
• headache, severe and throbbing
• increased sweating
• loss of appetite
• loss of consciousness
• night blindness
• overbright appearance of lights
• pale skin
• paralysis
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• sore throat
• tunnel vision
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects of Nitroglycerin

Some side effects of nitroglycerin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• body aches or pain
• congestion
• hoarseness
• lack or loss of strength
• runny nose
• sneezing
• stuffy nose
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• voice changes

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to nitroglycerin: buccal tablet extended release, intravenous solution, oral capsule extended release, rectal ointment, sublingual powder, sublingual spray, sublingual tablet, transdermal film extended release, transdermal ointment.

General

The most common side effect is headache.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 64%)

Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, vertigo, drowsiness

Rare (0.1% to 0.01%): Severe and prolonged headache

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cerebral ischemia

Frequency not reported: Faintness, somnolence^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, angina increased, paradoxical bradycardia, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, blood pressure decreased, facial flushing

Uncommon (0.1 to 1%): Circulatory collapse

Rare (less than 0.1%): Bradycardia, cyanosis, flushing, heart rate increase

Frequency not reported: Crescendo angina, rebound hypertension, palpitations, hypertension, decreased arterial oxygen tension, severe arterial hypotension with bradycardia, transient flushing^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Dry mouth

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Heartburn, halitosis

Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, retching, lip and tongue swelling^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dermatitis contact, erythema, pruritus, burning, irritation, eczema, urticaria

Rare (0.01 to 0.1%): Allergic skin reactions, rash

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Exfoliative dermatitis, drug rash

Frequency not reported: Cutaneous flushing, diaphoresis, angioedema

Postmarketing reports: Rash generalized^[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, weakness

Frequency not reported: Retrosternal discomfort^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylaxis

Frequency not reported: Allergic reaction, anaphylactoid reaction^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Restlessness

Frequency not reported: Apprehension^[Ref]

Respiratory

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Impairment of respiration

Frequency not reported: Hypoxemia, dyspnea^[Ref]

Hematologic

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Methemoglobinemia^[Ref]

Ocular

Rare (less than 0.1%): Blurred vision

Frequency not reported: Increased ocular pressure^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Muscle twitching^[Ref]