Nitroglycerin causes headaches, suddenly flushed skin, orthostatic problems, or reflectory tachycardia in approximately 5% of the treated subjects.

Paradoxical bradycardia and severe hypotension with collapse are not as common. Hypotension can be associated to a risk of cerebral ischemia!

Contact dermatitis is possible when skin patches are applied.

Nitrate tolerance with almost total loss of efficacy develops very quickly when there is continuous administration (e.g. with skin patches). A therapy-free interval of about 10 hours daily is therefore of great importance (combination with other drugs!).

Nitroglycerin: Interactions

Nitroglycerin reinforces the hypotensive effect of antihypertensive agents. Combined with alcohol a sudden drop in blood pressure can occur. Nitroglycerin increases the bioavailability of dihydroergotamine. In smokers, nicotine antagonizes the coronary dilating effect of nitroglycerin.

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