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What Is a Nitroglycerin Drip?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 35,274
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A nitroglycerin drip is an intravenous administration of diluted nitroglycerin to treat a patient with medical problems related to the heart and blood pressure. This treatment is typically only available in hospital settings or during patient transport, as a patient who would need this therapy may be too ill to leave the hospital. This medication acts by dilating the blood vessels to reduce the load on the heart. It can be potentially hazardous and must be used with care.

There are three primary reasons why a doctor might recommend a nitroglycerin drip for a patient. The first is unstable angina that does not respond to oral medications. Patients with this condition may need cardiac catheterization and other measures, but require nitroglycerin for immediate comfort and pain management. The blood vessel dilation associated with the medication can reduce the cardiac stress observed in patients with angina.

Another reason to use a drip is in the management of hypertension before, during, or after surgery. This medication can lower the blood pressure quickly and may be necessary if a patient's blood pressure rises to dangerously high levels. The surgical team can decide how much to administer, as they do not want to go in the opposite direction and create a hypotensive crisis.

A third use for nitroglycerin drips is in the management of patients with congestive heart failure accompanied by pulmonary edema. These patients have heavily overloaded hearts, and a nitroglycerin drip can reduce the strain and help stabilize the patient. Congestive heart failure treatment in the hospital can include other measures as well. The eventual goal is usually to release the patient to manage the condition at home, in which case patients may receive nitroglycerin tablets to take in the event of heart problems.

This medication is not typically considered safe for use in patients with low blood pressure, or for those who have lost large volumes of blood. Severe dehydration can be a contraindication as well. The concern in all these cases is that the drip could cause dangerously low blood pressure. Allergic reactions to the medication are rare, but do happen, and patients should report symptoms like itching and discomfort around the injection site, as these can be early warning signs. Patients with a history of adverse reactions to nitroglycerin in any form may want to make sure this information is noted in their charts and on medic alert cards to reduce the chance of an accidental administration during a medical emergency.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a The Health Board researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By serenesurface — On Feb 07, 2013

I use nitroglycerin when I experience chest pain, but not as a drip, as a spray.

I have received a nitroglycerin drip at the hospital several times as well.

Are there any side effects of long term use of nitroglycerin?

By donasmrs — On Feb 06, 2013

@simrin-- I think nitroglycerin is among the first treatments. If there is anything given before it, it might be aspirin.

Nitroglycerin is very effective for angina and it will be given first before other medications like beta-blockers. It relieves chest pain quickly.

If nitroglycerin doesn't work and chest pain continues, doctors will usually assume that it's a heart attack. In this sense, it also helps doctors differentiate between decreased blood flow to the heart (that is angina) and no blood flow to the heart (that is a heart attack).

By SteamLouis — On Feb 05, 2013

I'm studying for the Medical Licensing Examination. I need to know, is nitroglycerin drip the first treatment that should be used for angina? Or are there other treatments that should be tried first?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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