General Knowledge on Angina Medications

Angina

Angina is a chest discomfort or pain caused by restricted blood flow to the heart muscles. The feeling of tightness, heaviness or pain usually occurs in the centre of the chest and extends to the neck, arms or lower chin with sweating, shortness of breath and nausea. Possible triggers of angina include physical activity, emotional stress, extreme cold or heat and heavy meals.

Angina Medications

Nitrates are a group of antianginal medications that cause the blood vessels to dilate. This makes it easier for the heart to pump blood supply to the body, as well as to the heart itself.

Glyceryl trinitrate is a short-acting nitrate drug that is used for angina attacks. Sublingual tablet is the most common dosage form.

If You Experience Chest Pain:

1. Use glyceryl trinitrate sublingual tablet as soon as symptoms appear.
2. To avoid dizziness or headache, sit down before using the drug.
3. Place one tablet under the tongue until it is completely dissolved. If your mouth is dry, a sip of water helps the tablet dissolve better.
4. Do not swallow or chew the tablet. If you accidentally swallow it, use another tablet and make sure it is placed under the tongue until it is completely dissolved.
5. If angina does not subside five minutes after using the tablet, repeat the dose.
6. If angina still persists after another five minutes, use a third tablet. If the pain still persists, call an ambulance immediately.
   
   
   

Advice on Using Glyceryl Trinitrate

• Always carry the tablets with you in case symptoms occur.
• Headache, dizziness and face flushing may appear after taking the medication, but would usually subside in a few minutes. If the side effects persist or become worse, seek medical help right away.
• Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any allergic reactions such as skin rash, swelling of the face or hands and breathing difficulty.
• Glyceryl trinitrate is only effective for relief of angina. In order to prevent angina attacks, take regular medications as instructed. Consult your doctor if angina attacks become more frequent.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about medications that you are taking, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and vitamins.
  
  
  

Storage of Glyceryl Trinitrate Sublingual Tablets

• Store the tablets in the original glass container to protect them from moisture, light and heat. Do not put cotton wool in the bottle after opening.
• Avoid placing the tablets close to your body as the heat of your body can make them deteriorate.
• Discard any unused tablets 8 weeks after opening. You can write down the date when you first open the bottle as a reminder. Make sure that you have enough tablets in case of emergency.
• Store the medications out of reach of children.
  
  
  

Lifestyle Advice

• Quit smoking.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Have a balanced diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Take enough rest and manage stress.
  
  
  

This information leaflet is for reference only.
Medicines should be used as directed by the doctor and pharmacist.
For enquiry, please contact your doctor, dispensary staff or other healthcare professionals.
Do not share your medicine with others.

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