|
Nitrodisc description. Nitrates ( NYE-trates) are used to treat the symptoms of angina (chest pain). Depending on the type of dosage form and how it is taken, nitrates are used to treat angina in three ways: to relieve an attack that is occurring by using the medicine when the attack begins; to prevent attacks from occurring by using the medicine just before an attack is expected to occur; or to reduce the number of attacks that occur by using the medicine regularly on a long-term basis. When applied to the skin, nitrates are used to reduce the number of angina attacks that occur. The only nitrate available for this purpose is topical nitroglycerin (nye-troe-GLI-ser-in) . Topical nitroglycerin is absorbed through the skin. It works by relaxing blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its work load. This helps prevent future angina attacks from occurring. Topical nitroglycerin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Nitroglycerin as discussed here is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms: Topical Ointment (U.S. and Canada) Transdermal (stick-on) patch (U.S. and Canada)
Why prescribed Nitrodisc. Nitroglycerin skin patches are used to prevent chest pain (angina). They work by relaxing the blood vessels to the heart, so the blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart is increased. Nitrodisc is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. How used Nitrodisc. Nitroglycerin comes as a patch you apply to the skin. It is usually applied once a day. Your doctor may tell you to remove the patch at a certain time each day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use the nitroglycerin skin patch exactly as directed. Do not apply it more or less often than prescribed by your doctor. Nitroglycerin skin patches control chest pain but do not cure it. Continue to use the nitroglycerin skin patch even if you feel well. Do not stop using the nitroglycerin skin patch without talking to your doctor. Stopping the drug abruptly may cause chest pain. Apply the patch to clean, dry skin that is relatively free of hair (above your knee) or upper arm (above your elbow). Avoid irritated, scarred, broken, and calloused skin. Select a different area each day to avoid skin irritation. Be sure to remove the patch before you apply another one. If the patch loosens or falls off, replace it with a fresh one. Fold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together and dispose of it carefully. The patch still contains active medication that could be harmful to children or pets. Nitroglycerin can lose its effectiveness when used for a long time. This effect is called tolerance. If your angina attacks happen more often, last longer, or are more severe, call your doctor. Brand names: - Nitrates Topical - Nitro-Bid - Nitro-Dur - Nitrodisc - Nitrol - Transderm-Nitro |