Nitroglycerin
Tablet · Sublingual, Rectal, Transdermal
Uses
Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray is indicated for acute relief of an attack or prophylaxis of angina pectoris due to coronary artery disease.
Dosage and administration
2.1 Recommended Dosage Instruct the patient to administer one or two metered sprays (400 mcg of nitroglycerin per spray) at the onset of an attack onto or under the tongue. A spray may be repeated approximately every five minutes as needed. No more than three metered sprays are recommended within a 15-minute period. If the chest pain persists after a total of three sprays, advise prompt medical attention. Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray may be used prophylactically 5 to 10 minutes prior to engaging in activities that might precipitate an acute attack. 2.2 Priming The pump must be primed prior to the first use. Each metered spray of Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray delivers 48 mg of solution containing 400 mcg of nitroglycerin after an initial priming of five sprays. It will remain adequately primed for 6 weeks. If the product is not used within 6 weeks it can be adequately re-primed with one spray. If the product is not used within 3 months it can be adequately re-primed with up to five sprays. There are 60 or 200 metered sprays per bottle. The total number of available doses is dependent, however, on the number of sprays per use (1 or 2 sprays), and the frequency of priming. 2.3 Administration Instruct patients that during administration, the patient should rest, ideally in the sitting position. Hold the container vertically with the valve head uppermost and the spray orifice as close to the mouth as possible. Spray the dose preferably onto or under the tongue by pressing the grooved-button firmly and the mouth closed immediately after each dose. THE SPRAY SHOULD NOT BE INHALED. The medication should not be expectorated or the mouth rinsed for 5 to 10 minutes following administration. Instruct patients to familiarize themselves with the position of the spray orifice, which can be identified by the finger rest on top of the valve, in order to facilitate orientation for administration at night [see Patient Information (17)]. The amount of liquid remaining in the container should be checked periodically. The transparent container can be used for continuous monitoring of the consumption. With the container upright and level, check to be sure the end of the center tube extends below the level of the liquid. Once fluid falls below the level of the center tube, remaining sprays will not deliver intended dose.
Dosage forms and strengths
Lingual spray, 400 mcg per spray available in either 60 or 200 metered sprays per container.
Contraindications
4.1 PDE-5-Inhibitors and sGC-Stimulators Do not use Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray in patients who are taking PDE-5-Inhibitors, such as avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil. Concomitant use can cause severe hypotension, syncope, or myocardial ischemia [see Drug Interactions (7.1)]. Do not use Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray in patients who are taking soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators, such as riociguat. Concomitant use can cause hypotension. 4.2 Severe Anemia Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray is contraindicated in patients with severe anemia (large doses of nitroglycerin may cause oxidation of hemoglobin to methemoglobin and could exacerbate anemia). 4.3 Increased Intracranial Pressure Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray may precipitate or aggravate increased intracranial pressure and thus should not be used in patients with possible increased intracranial pressure (e. g. cerebral hemorrhage or traumatic brain injury). 4.4 Hypersensitivity Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to nitroglycerin, other nitrates or nitrites or any excipient. 4.5 Circulatory Failure and Shock Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray is contraindicated in patients with acute circulatory failure or shock.
Warnings and precautions
5.1 Tolerance Excessive use may lead to the development of tolerance. Only the smallest number of doses required for effective relief of the acute angina attack should be used [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. 5.2 Hypotension Severe hypotension, particularly with upright posture, may occur even with small doses of nitroglycerin particularly in patients with constrictive pericarditis, aortic or mitral stenosis, patients who may be volume-depleted, or are already hypotensive. Hypotension induced by nitroglycerin may be accompanied by paradoxical bradycardia and increased angina pectoris. Symptoms of severe hypotension (nausea, vomiting, weakness, pallor, perspiration and collapse/syncope) may occur even with therapeutic doses. 5.3 Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy Nitrate therapy may aggravate the angina caused by hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. 5.4 Headache Nitroglycerin produces dose-related headaches, especially at the start of nitroglycerin therapy, which may be severe and persistent but usually subside with continued use.
Side effects
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Adverse reactions occurring at a frequency greater than 2 % and greater than placebo included: headache, dizziness, and paresthesia. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray and other nitroglycerin drugs. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency reliably or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Neurologic: weakness, drowsiness Dermatologic: cutaneous vasodilation, flushing, drug rash, exfoliative dermatitis Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting Respiratory: transient hypoxemia Cardiovascular: tachycardia
Drug interactions
7.1 PDE-5-Inhibitors and sGC-Stimulators Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray is contraindicated in patients who are using a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5). PDE-5-Inhibitors such as avanafil, sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil have been shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of organic nitrates. Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray is contraindicated in patients who are taking soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators. Concomitant use can cause hypotension. The time course and dose dependence of these interactions have not been studied, and use within a few days of one another is not recommended. Appropriate supportive care for the severe hypotension has not been studied, but it seems reasonable to treat this as a nitrate overdose, with elevation of the extremities and with central volume expansion. 7.2 Antihypertensives Patients receiving antihypertensive drugs, beta-adrenergic blockers, and nitrates should be observed for possible additive hypotensive effects. Marked orthostatic hypotension has been reported when calcium channel blockers and organic nitrates were used concomitantly. Beta-adrenergic blockers blunt the reflex tachycardia produced by nitroglycerin without preventing its hypotensive effects. If beta-blockers are used with nitroglycerin in patients with angina pectoris, additional hypotensive effects may occur. 7.3 Ergotamine Oral administration of nitroglycerin markedly decreases the first-pass metabolism of dihydroergotamine and subsequently increases its oral bioavailability. Ergotamine is known to precipitate angina pectoris. Therefore, patients receiving sublingual nitroglycerin should avoid ergotamine and related drugs or be monitored for symptoms of ergotism if this is not possible.
Use in specific populations
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use NITROGLYCERIN LINGUAL SPRAY safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray. NITROGLYCERIN LINGUAL SPRAY (nitroglycerin) lingual spray Initial U.S. Approval: 1997 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray is a nitrate vasodilator indicated for acute relief of an attack or prophylaxis of angina pectoris due to coronary artery disease ( 1). DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION At the onset of an attack, administer onto or under the tongue. Repeat every 5 minutes as needed ( 2.1). Do up to three metered sprays within a 15-minute period. If chest pain persists, advise prompt medical attention ( 2.1). May be used prophylactically 5 to 10 minutes prior to engaging in activities that might precipitate an acute attack ( 2.1). DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Lingual spray, 400 mcg per spray, available in 60 or 200 metered sprays per container ( 3). CONTRAINDICATIONS Use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) Inhibitors, such as avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil, or soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator (riociguat). ( 4.1, 7.1) Severe anemia. ( 4.2) Increased intracranial pressure. ( 4.3) Hypersensitivity to Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray or to other nitrates or nitrites or any excipient. ( 4.4) WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Tolerance: Excessive use may lead to tolerance. ( 5.1) Hypotension: Severe hypotension may occur. ( 5.2) ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions occurring at a frequency greater than 2 % are headache, dizzinesss and paresthesia ( 6). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Prasco Laboratories at 1-866-525-0688 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. DRUG INTERACTIONS Antihypertensives: possible additive hypotensive effects. ( 7.2) Ergotamine: increased bioavailability of ergotamine. Avoid concomitant use ( 7.3) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk summary Limited published data on the use of nitroglycerin are insufficient to determine a drug associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. In animal reproduction studies, there were no adverse developmental effects when nitroglycerin was administered intravenously to rabbits or intraperitoneally to rats during organogenesis at doses greater than 64-times the human dose [see Data]. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 – 4% and 15 – 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data No embryotoxic or postnatal development effects were observed with transdermal application in pregnant rabbits and rats at doses up to 240 mg/kg/day for 13 days, at intraperitoneal doses in pregnant rats up to 20 mg/kg/day for 11 days, and at intravenous doses in pregnant rabbits up to 4 mg/kg/day for 13 days. 8.2 Lactation Risk summary Sublingual nitroglycerin has not been studied in lactating women. It is not known if nitroglycerin is present in human milk or if nitroglycerin has effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for nitroglycerin and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from nitroglycerin or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of nitroglycerin in pediatric patients have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between elderly (greater than or equal to 65 years) and younger (less than 65 years) patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should start at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Overdosage
10.1 Signs and Symptoms, Methemoglobinemia Nitrate overdosage may result in: severe hypotension, persistent throbbing headache, vertigo, palpitation, visual disturbance, flushing and perspiring skin (later becoming cold and cyanotic), nausea and vomiting (possibly with colic and even bloody diarrhea), syncope (especially in the upright posture), methemoglobinemia with cyanosis and anorexia, initial hyperpnea, dyspnea and slow breathing, slow pulse (dicrotic and intermittent), heart block, increased intracranial pressure with cerebral symptoms of confusion and moderate fever, paralysis and coma followed by clonic convulsions, and possibly death due to circulatory collapse. Case reports of clinically significant methemoglobinemia are rare at conventional doses of organic nitrates. The formation of methemoglobin is dose-related and in the case of genetic abnormalities of hemoglobin that favor methemoglobin formation, even conventional doses of organic nitrates could produce harmful concentrations of methemoglobin. 10.2 Treatment of Overdosage As hypotension associated with nitroglycerin overdose is the result of venodilatation and arterial hypovolemia, prudent therapy in this situation should be directed toward increase in central fluid volume. No specific antagonist to the vasodilator effects of nitroglycerin is known. Keep the patient recumbent in a shock position and comfortably warm. Passive movement of the extremities may aid venous return. Intravenous infusion of normal saline or similar fluid may also be necessary. Administer oxygen and artificial ventilation, if necessary. If methemoglobinemia is present, administration of methylene blue (1 % solution), 1 – 2 mg per kilogram of body weight intravenously, may be required unless the patient is known to have G-6-PD deficiency. If an excessive quantity of Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray has been recently swallowed gastric lavage may be of use. As epinephrine is ineffective in reversing the severe hypotensive events associated with overdosage, it is not recommended for resuscitation.
Description
Nitroglycerin, an organic nitrate, is a vasodilator which has effects on both arteries and veins. The chemical name for nitroglycerin is 1,2,3-propanetriol trinitrate (C 3H 5N 3O 9). The compound has a molecular weight of 227.09. The chemical structure is: CH 2–ONO 2 | CH–ONO 2 | CH 2–ONO 2 Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray (nitroglycerin lingual spray 400 mcg) is a metered dose spray containing nitroglycerin. This product delivers nitroglycerin (400 mcg per spray, 60 or 200 metered sprays) in the form of spray droplets onto or under the tongue. Inactive ingredients: medium-chain triglycerides, dehydrated alcohol, medium-chain partial glycerides, peppermint oil, sodium lactate, lactic acid.
How supplied
Each box of Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray contains one glass bottle coated with red transparent plastic which assists in containing the glass and medication should the bottle be shattered. Each bottle contains 4.9 g or 14.1 g (Net Contents) of nitroglycerin lingual spray which will deliver 60 or 200 metered sprays containing 400 mcg of nitroglycerin per spray after priming. Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray is available as: 60-dose (4.9 g) single bottle NDC 66993-241-50 200-dose (14.1 g) single bottle NDC 66993-241-41 Store at 20°C - 25°C (68°F - 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C - 30°C (59°F - 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Note: Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray contains 20 % alcohol. Do not forcefully open or burn container after use. Do not spray toward flames. Rx Only.
Label text from the FDA structured product label by HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst (revised Oct 27, 2025). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.
Active ingredients
- Nitroglycerin in 68 products
Nitroglycerin NDC products (68)
Nitroglycerin recalls
- D-0791-2026 Aug 26, 2026 · Class II · Ongoing
Presence of Particulate Matter: Product contaminated with particulate matter identified as hair, glass and/or paraformaldehyde - D-0324-2025 Apr 16, 2025 · Class II · Ongoing
CGMP Deviations - D-0331-2025 Apr 16, 2025 · Class II · Ongoing
CGMP Deviations
Frequently asked questions
What is Nitroglycerin used for?
Nitroglycerin Lingual Spray is indicated for acute relief of an attack or prophylaxis of angina pectoris due to coronary artery disease.
What are the side effects of Nitroglycerin?
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Adverse reactions occurring at a frequency greater than 2 % and greater than placebo included:… See the full label for the complete list.
Who makes Nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin is listed by 31 labelers in the FDA NDC directory, including A-S Medication Solutions, Advagen Pharma Ltd, American Regent, Inc., Aurobindo Pharma Limited.
Has Nitroglycerin been recalled?
The FDA enforcement database lists 3 recalls for Nitroglycerin, most recently D-0791-2026 (class ii): Presence of Particulate Matter: Product contaminated with particulate matter identified as hair, glass and/or paraformaldehyde