Glyceryl Trinitrate Flashcards
What type of medication is GTN?
It is a vasodilator. It widens blood vessels due to relaxation of smooth muscle.
What are the actions of GTN?
Dilation of coronary arteries,
Dilation of systemic veins and arteries,
Decreased cardiac preload and afterload, and blood pressure.
What is the route of administration, and the associated onset, peak and duration of GTN?
Route: SL
Onset: within 2min
Peak: N/A
Duration: up to 30min
What are the uses of GTN?
Acute Coronary Syndrome,
Cardiogenic Pulmonary Oedema,
Autonomic Dysreflexia
What are the adverse effects of GTN?
Hypotension, flushing, headache.
What are the contraindications of GTN?
BP: <90mmHg systolic,
Pulse Rate: <50/mim or >150/min.
Patient <16 yrs old.
Use of drugs to treat erectile dysfunction: Sildenafil (viagra) or Vardenafil (Levitra) within 24hrs, Tadalafil (Cialis) within 96hrs.
What is the preparation of GTN?
Two 300mcg tablets unless otherwise indicated.
How long may bottles of open GTN be kept?
Bottles that have been opened must be dated and discarded 3 months after opening as exposure reduces potency.
What reason could indicate a patient 16yrs or older should receive a reduced dose of GTN?
Patients with limited physiological reserves should receive an initial dose of 300mcg, with subsequent doses of either 300mcg or 600mcg to a total of 1.8mg dependent on responses.
What vital sign should be monitored closely during and after GTN administration?
Blood pressure
After how long can the treatment regime of GTN for ACS/CPO be repeated?
30 min after last administration
What is the correct dose of GTN for ACS/CPO?
For patients 16yrs or older, the correct dose is an initial dose of 600mcg (2 tablets), repeated after 5 min if still indicated to a max dose of 1.8mg.
What is the correct dose of GTN for autonomic dysreflexia?
For patients 16yrs or older, the correct dose is an initial dose of 300mcg (1 tablet), repeated after 5 min if still indicated to a max dose of 1.8mg.
