Gtn Spray

Front 1

Generic Name: Glyceryltrinitrate (nitroglycerin)

Front 2

Drug Group:

Back 2

Vasodilator, or organic nitrate.

Front 3

Indication:

Back 3

To relieve acute angina attack and sometimes to prevent future angina attacks.

Front 4

Mechanism of action:

Back 4

Relaxes smooth muscle in the veins. This allows the veins to widen so more blood is able to be held. this would decrease the amount of venus return. This decreases the amount of blood returning to the heart e.g. PRELOAD, which decreases ventricle wall response and decreases oxygen demand from the cardiac muscle.

Front 5

Route of administration:

Back 5

Sublingual spray

Front 6

Special considerations relating to route of administration:

Back 6

Spray onto oral mucosa under the tounge, don't inhale. Call an ambulance if the person is not experiencing relief within 5minutes, and take second dose. Write the date on the bottle of when it was opened.

Front 7

Adverse effect #1:

Back 7

Headache.

Front 8

Nursing consideration #1:

Back 8

Use a mild analgesic such as paracetamol and aspirin.

Front 9

Adverse effect #2:

Back 9

(Orthostatic) hypertension, dizziness and/or lightheadedness.

Front 10

Nursing consideration #2:

Back 10

Keep the person seated, caution if they must be moved. Keep in mind that the patient may be or become lightheaded or dizzy and may faint.