| name | Nitrates |
| classification | Vasodilators |
| pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Rapidly absorbed from various routes (oral, sublingual, transdermal). | | distribution | Distributed throughout the body, including blood vessels. | | metabolism | Metabolized in the liver. | | excretion | Excreted primarily through the kidneys. |
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| suggested dosage | | note | Dosage and specific formulations depend on the individual drug and the reason for use. Consult a doctor for appropriate prescriptions. | | examples | | isosorbide dinitrate | 2.5 - 10 mg sublingual/oral, 10-120 mg oral/transdermal | | nitroglycerin | 0.4 mg sublingual, 2.5 - 10 mg transdermal |
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| indications | | 1 | Angina pectoris (chest pain) | | 2 | Heart failure (in some cases) | | 3 | Hypertension (in some cases) | | 4 | Pulmonary hypertension |
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| safety in pregnancy | | details | Nitrates should generally be used with caution during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. Consult with a healthcare provider to weigh risks and benefits. | | note | Certain forms may be safer than others. |
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| safety in breastfeeding | | details | Limited data exists on the effects of nitrates on breastfeeding infants. Consult a doctor to determine if nitrates are appropriate during breastfeeding. | | note | Small amounts may enter breast milk. |
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| side effects | | 1 | Headache | | 2 | Dizziness | | 3 | Lightheadedness | | 4 | Fainting (syncope) | | 5 | Hypotension (low blood pressure) | | 6 | Flushing | | 7 | Nausea | | 8 | Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) | | 9 | Vomiting | | 10 | Methaemoglobinemia (rare) |
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| alternatives | | note | Alternatives depend on the specific reason for using nitrates. Consult a doctor for suitable alternatives. | | examples | |
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| contraindications | | 1 | Hypotension (low blood pressure) | | 2 | Severe anemia | | 3 | Hypersensitivity to nitrates | | 4 | Concurrent use of other vasodilators (e.g., PDE-5 inhibitors, like sildenafil) | | 5 | Certain cardiovascular conditions (severe aortic stenosis, etc.) |
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| interactions | | 1 | Drugs that decrease blood pressure (e.g., other antihypertensives) | | 2 | Alcohol | | 3 | PDE-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil) | | 4 | Certain medications (discuss with healthcare professional) |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Monitor blood pressure closely. | | 2 | Avoid abrupt cessation of therapy. | | 3 | Use with caution in patients with a history of low blood pressure, heart conditions, or other medical issues. | | 4 | Be aware of potential for orthostatic hypotension (dizziness upon standing). | | 5 | Consult a doctor for advice on using nitrates during sexual activity. |
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| additional information | | important notes | | 1 | Nitrates can cause tolerance, which means the effects of the medication may lessen over time. Different formulations and delivery methods are available to help manage this. | | 2 | Always take the medicine exactly as directed by the doctor. Never adjust the dose without consultation. | | 3 | Patient should inform all healthcare providers about the medications they are taking. |
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