What type of drugs are nitrates

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Topic Overview Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil for example, Viagra , have made a big difference in the treatment of erection problems erectile dysfunction. Medicines that contain organic nitrates include: Nitroglycerin such as Nitro-Dur, Nitrolingual, Nitrostat.

Isosorbide such as Dilatrate, Isordil. Nitroprusside such as Nitropress. Amyl nitrite or amyl nitrate. These are sometimes called "poppers.

Nitrates found in foods are not a danger when taking phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Health Tools Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.

Decision Points focus on key medical care decisions that are important to many health problems. Angina is usually caused by narrowing of the heart arteries due to a build-up of a fatty substance called atheroma. See the separate leaflet called Angina. However, nitrate medicines are good at easing and preventing angina pains. Nitrates work by relaxing the walls of blood vessels, which makes them slightly wider.

By relaxing the blood vessels on the surface of the heart, the heart can get more blood flow and oxygen. That helps to treat angina, which is caused by not enough blood flow getting to the heart. Nitrates also relax other blood vessels in the body, which takes the strain off the heart a little.

If you have frequent angina pains, long acting nitrate preparations help to prevent the pains from developing. A long-acting preparation takes longer to start working, so is not much use for immediate pain relief. But, it works for much longer after each dose than a short-acting preparation which loses its effect after 20 minutes or so.

Thankfully these side-effects are unpleasant but not serious. Often they get better once you've been using the medicine for a few weeks. Although they help with the symptoms of chest pain from the blood vessels getting furred up, they don't change the underlying reason for the chest pains.

The prescribing information for nitrates states that in older adults, dose selection should be cautious, starting lower to account for any possible decrease in liver, kidney, or heart function. Your doctor can determine an appropriate dosage if an adjustment is required. Nitrates have several contraindications situations where they must not be used in certain people. Do not take nitrates if:.

Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. There is very little data on nitrate use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Your doctor can give you medical advice regarding taking nitrates while pregnant or breastfeeding.

No, nitrates are not controlled substances. The most common side effects of nitrate medications include:. Other side effects may include weakness, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, sweating, paleness, fainting, restlessness, blurry vision, or skin reactions. Other side effects may occur. Talk to your healthcare professional about what side effects to expect and how to address them.

The price of your nitrate prescription will depend on the formulation, dose, quantity, and availability in brand or generic form. Ask your doctor if the product he or she would like to prescribe is available in generic.

Skip to main content Search for a topic or drug. Nitrates: Uses, common brands, and safety information Nitrates are vasodilator medications that work by relaxing and dilating veins and arteries. By Karen Berger, Pharm. Top Reads in Drug Info. Can you mix Trintellix and alcohol? Does hydroxyzine for anxiety work? Do coffee and Zoloft mix? Treating heartburn during pregnancy Oct.

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