Nitroglycerin
Brand: Nitrostat (US/EU) / Angised (IN) / Nitroglycerin (BD)
Antianginal
Organic nitrate vasodilator
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-life | 0.3 hours |
| Tmax | 0.25 h |
| Bioavailability | 5 % (approx) |
| Protein Binding | 60 % |
| Volume of Distribution | 3 L/kg (approx) |
| Clearance Route | hepatic |
| Active Metabolites | yes |
| Notes | Extensive first-pass metabolism; half-life of 2–4 minutes (approx 0.03 h); active metabolites include 1,2- and 1,3-glyceryl dinitrate; rapid onset sublingual; tolerance develops with continuous use. |
⚠️ Safety & Warnings
Severity: Moderate
Adverse Effects:
Headache, flushing, hypotension, reflex tachycardia, dizziness, syncope
Contraindications:
Severe anemia, increased intracranial pressure, concurrent phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor use (e.g. sildenafil)
Precautions:
Allow nitrate-free intervals to prevent tolerance; caution in hypotension or volume depletion