Glyceryl Trinitrate (GTN), also known by the brand name Angised, is a potent vasodilator specifically engineered for the emergency relief of chest pain. It belongs to the class of organic nitrates. It works by releasing nitric oxide, which relaxes the smooth muscles in the walls of the blood vessels. This causes the veins and arteries to widen (dilate), reducing the workload on the heart and improving blood flow to the heart muscle, rapidly alleviating the suffocating sensation of an angina attack.
Product Type: Nitrate Vasodilator (Anti-anginal)
Active Ingredient: Glyceryl Trinitrate (500 micrograms or 0.5mg)
Manufacturer: Various (E.g., GlaxoSmithKline / Generic Equivalents)
Pack Size: 100 Tablets (usually in a small amber glass bottle)
Route: Sublingual (Under the Tongue Only)
Availability: Strictly Prescription Required (POM) — Cardiologist consultation mandatory
Suitable For: Adults with chronic stable angina
GTN is a primary "rescue" medication for managing heart-related chest pain:
Acute Angina Attack: Rapidly stopping chest pain, tightness, or pressure caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
Prophylaxis (Prevention): Taken 5 to 10 minutes before activities known to trigger angina (e.g., exercise, walking uphill, or cold weather).
Heart Failure: Sometimes used in emergency settings to reduce the strain on the heart during acute failure.
The "ED Drug" Prohibition: You must never take GTN if you have taken Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), or Vardenafil (Levitra) in the last 24–48 hours. Combining these can cause a fatal drop in blood pressure. Severe Hypotension: GTN can cause a sudden, sharp drop in blood pressure, leading to fainting or "blacking out." Always sit or lie down before taking a dose. Nitrate Headache: A throbbing headache is a very common side effect as the blood vessels in the brain also dilate. This usually lasts only a few minutes. Glass Bottle Requirement: GTN is highly volatile. It must be kept in its original amber glass bottle. If moved to a plastic pill box, the tablets will lose their potency within days. The "Tingle" Test: A fresh GTN tablet usually causes a slight stinging or tingling sensation under the tongue. If you feel nothing, the tablets may have expired or lost their strength.
For maximum safety and efficacy, follow these steps during a chest pain episode:
Stop & Sit: Stop what you are doing and sit down immediately.
Administer: Place one 500mcg tablet under the tongue or in the pouch of the cheek. Do not swallow or chew it; it must dissolve to enter the bloodstream directly.
Wait 5 Minutes: If the pain does not go away after 5 minutes, take a second tablet.
Emergency Call: If the pain persists after two tablets (10 minutes), call for an ambulance immediately (Dial 112/999). You may be having a heart attack.
Common side effects include a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), flushing of the face, dizziness, and a throbbing headache. Some patients may feel weak or nauseous immediately after the dose. If you experience extreme blurred vision or a cold, clammy feeling, seek emergency care.
GTN tablets are extremely sensitive to light, air, and moisture.
Original Container: Keep tablets in the original amber glass bottle.
Tight Seal: Ensure the cap is screwed on tightly immediately after removing a tablet.
Discard Rule: Once the bottle is opened, the tablets are only effective for 8 weeks. Write the date of opening on the bottle and discard any remaining tablets after 2 months.
Avoid Heat: Do not carry the bottle in a pocket close to your body heat; keep it in a bag or a loose jacket pocket.
Q: Why can't I just swallow the tablet?
A: If swallowed, the liver will destroy the medication before it reaches your heart (this is called "first-pass metabolism"). The sublingual route bypasses the liver for instant action.
Q: Can I use it for "Heartburn"?
A: No. GTN is for heart-related pain only. If you use it for stomach issues, it won't help and may cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Q: Will it make me "Dizzy"?
A: Yes, dizziness is very common. This is why you must always be sitting or leaning against something stable when you take it.
Q: Can I take it every day to prevent pain?
A: These tablets are for short-term relief. If you are having pain every day, your doctor may prescribe a "Long-Acting Nitrate" (like Imdur) to take once a day.
Authentic Glyceryl Trinitrate (Angised) 500mcg is available at Sanlive Pharmacy with a valid prescription. We ensure our stock is stored in optimal conditions and provide clear guidance on the "8-week discard rule" to ensure your rescue medication always works when you need it most.
Authentic, original-brand cardiac emergency stock.
Expert guidance on the "Angina Action Plan" and ED-drug safety.
Licensed pharmacists available for clinical cardiovascular reviews.
Fast, reliable delivery of your maintenance and rescue medications across Nigeria.
Order Glyceryl Trinitrate 500mcg from Sanlive Pharmacy today — keep your heart's rescue plan ready and reliable.
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