Nitrates are a class of medicines that use nitroglycerin to treat the symptoms of chest pain or angina. Depending on the dosage and how it is taken, nitrates may help prevent attacks of angina, or relieve an attack that is occurring. Nitrates do this by increasing blood flow to the heart, and reducing the heart's workload.

Nitrates are available in several forms, as well as traditional tablets and capsules. Nitroglycerin is available as a patch that releases medicine through the skin, sublingual tablets that dissolve underneath your tongue, and ointment that is absorbed through your skin.

All of the dosage forms may cause similar side effects. These include headache, dizziness, flushing and sweating. The patch may also cause some itching or a rash on the skin. Sublingual nitrates may cause a local burning or stinging.

If you are using sublingual nitroglycerin tablets, the tablet should be placed under your tongue and allowed to dissolve. It shouldn't be swallowed, chewed or crushed. The translingual spray is pumped onto or underneath the tongue. These nitrates may be used as soon as an angina attack begins. If the attack persists after 5 minutes, you may repeat the dose of nitroglycerin up to 2 more times within 15 minutes. Each of the 3 doses should be spaced about 5 minutes apart. If the chest pain still persists after these 15 minutes, seek medical attention immediately.

The sublingual nitroglycerin tablets should be kept in their original container and stored at room temperature. The bottle should also be kept away from heat and moisture. The bottle should also be kept in a location that is convenient for you to reach quickly in the case of an angina attack.

The other nitrate dosage forms are not used to stop chest pain from occurring. They are used to prevent further attacks. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide information regarding the use of these nitrates. If you have any questions about the different types of nitrate products, please contact your health care provider or the pharmacist at your local drugstore.

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