Nitroglycerin

Nitroglycerin, also known as glyceryl trinitrate, is an organic nitrate and a vasodilating agent that was first discovered in 1847. Originally used to dynamite, its antianginal effects were identified in the late 1860s after it produced headaches in factory workers while workers with angina pectoris or heart failure experienced relief from chest pain. Its use as a treatment for angina dates back to 1879 and is still used to treat and prevent angina. Nitroglycerin causes vasodilation in both arteries and veins.

Nitroglycerin is used in a variety of different conditions, including angina pectoris due to coronary artery disease, peri-operative hypertension, congestive heart failure, and chronic anal fissure. It is also used to induce intraoperative hypotension.

Sublingual nitroglycerin is indicated for the acute relief of an attack or acute prophylaxis of angina pectoris due to coronary artery disease. Transdermal nitroglycerin is indicated for the prevention of angina pectoris due to coronary artery disease.

Intravenous nitroglycerin is indicated for the treatment of peri-operative hypertension; for control of congestive heart failure in the setting of acute myocardial infarction; for treatment of angina pectoris in patients who have not responded to sublingual nitroglycerin and beta (β)-blockers; and for induction of intraoperative hypotension.

Topical nitroglycerin ointment is used to treat moderate to severe pain associated with chronic anal fissure.