Nitroglycerin Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments - Drugs.com (2024)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 24, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 0.2 mg/hr; 0.4 mg/hr; 0.3 mg/hr; 0.6 mg/hr; 0.3 mg; 0.4 mg; 0.6 mg; 200 mcg/mL-D5%; 100 mcg/mL-D5%; 400 mcg/mL-D5%; 5 mg/mL; 2.6 mg; 6.5 mg; 0.1 mg/hr; 0.8 mg/hr; 2%; 2.5 mg; 9 mg; 3 mg; 1 mg; 2 mg; 0.4%; 400 mcg; 1 mg/mL

Usual Adult Dose for Angina Pectoris

• Starting doses of 25 mcg/min or higher have been used with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing.
• Lower concentrations increase potential dosing precision and volume to be delivered; consider patient fluid requirements and expected infusion duration when selecting an appropriate dilution.

Use: Treatment of angina pectoris in patients who have not responded to sublingual nitroglycerin and beta-blockers.

LINGUAL SPRAY:
1 to 2 sprays (0.4 to 0.8 mg) on or under tongue every 5 minutes as needed, up to 3 sprays in 15 minutes; if pain persists after maximum dose, prompt medical attention is recommended

Comments:

• Administer while sitting due to rapid onset.
• Advise patient not to inhale or swallow this medication.

Use: Acute relief of an anginal attack.

SUBLINGUAL TABLET:
0.3 to 0.6 mg sublingually or in the buccal pouch every 5 minutes as needed, up to 3 doses in 15 minutes; if pain persists after maximum dose, prompt medical attention is recommended

Comments:

• Administer while sitting down due to rapid onset.
• Advise patient not to chew or swallow this medication.

Use: Acute relief of an anginal attack.

Usual Adult Dose for Angina Pectoris Prophylaxis

• Administer while sitting due to rapid onset.
• Advise patient not to inhale or swallow this medication.

SUBLINGUAL TABLET:
0.3 to 0.6 mg sublingually or in the buccal pouch 5 to 10 minutes prior to engaging in activities that might precipitate an acute attack

Comments:

• Administer while sitting due to rapid onset.
• Advise patient not to chew or swallow this medication.

TOPICAL OINTMENT:
1/2 inch (7.5 mg) topically upon rising and 1/2 inch (7.5 mg) 6 hours later; titrate as needed and tolerated

Comments:

• Clinical trial doses have ranged from 1/2 to 2 inches (7.5 to 30 mg) applied to 36 square inches of truncal skin.
• Ointment should be applied to a dry and hairless area of the trunk.

TRANSDERMAL PATCH:
0.2 to 0.4 mg/hr patch applied topically once a day for 12 to 14 hours per day; titrate as needed and tolerated up to 0.8 mg/hr

Comments:

• Patch should be applied to a dry and hairless area of the upper arm or body; rotate application sites to avoid skin irritation.
• Doses between 0.4 and 0.8 mg/hr have shown continued effectiveness for 10 to 12 hours daily for at least 1 month of intermittent administration.

EXTENDED RELEASE CAPSULE:
2.5 to 6 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day; titrate as needed and tolerated

Comments:

• Subjects were titrated up to 26 mg four times a day in one clinical trial.

Usual Adult Dose for Myocardial Infarction

• Starting doses of 25 mcg/min or higher have been used with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing.
• Lower concentrations increase potential dosing precision and volume to be delivered; consider patient fluid requirements and expected infusion duration when selecting an appropriate dilution.

Use: Control of congestive heart failure in the setting of acute myocardial infarction.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension

• Starting doses of 25 mcg/min or higher have been used with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing.
• Lower concentrations increase potential dosing precision and volume to be delivered; consider patient fluid requirements and expected infusion duration when selecting an appropriate dilution.

Uses:

• Treatment of perioperative hypertension.
• Induction of intraoperative hypotension.

Usual Adult Dose for Anal Fissure and Fistula

• A finger covering such as plastic wrap, a disposable surgical glove, or a finger cot should be placed on the finger to apply ointment.
• Insert finger no further than first finger joint and apply around side of anal canal; if unable to insert finger due to pain, apply directly to outside of anus.

Use: Treatment of moderate to severe pain associated with chronic anal fissure.

Renal Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

• IV solution: Do not add supplementary medication.

Monitoring: Many cases may require invasive monitoring of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure.

Frequently asked questions

• How do you take GoNitro to treat an angina attack (chest pain)?
• What is the shelf life of nitroglycerin tablets?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circ*mstances.

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