GTN

Question 1

How does GTN work?

Answer 1

It’s a vasodilator. Meaning it dilates blood vessels in order to relieve chest pain.

It lowers the cardiac output as it means less blood return to right atria and left ventricle.

Question 2

What is GTN used for?

Answer 2

Primarily prescribed for angina in tablet or spray form.

Can also be used in different forms to treat: High blood pressure, heart failure, anal fissures, painful periods.

Question 3

Indications of GTN

Answer 3

Cardiac chest pain due to angina or MI, when systolic blood pressure is above 90.

Breathlessness due to pulmonary oedema in acute heart failure when systolic blood pressure is above 110.

Patients on coke with chest pain.

Question 4

Contraindications of GTN

Answer 4

Hypotension
Hypovolemia
Head trauma
Cerebral haemorrhage
Viagra and other related drugs in the last 24hours
Unconscious patients

Cautions,
Patients with suspected posterior MI or right ventricular infarction

Question 5

Presentation of GTN

Answer 5

Sublingual spray containing 400mcg

Sublingual tablets containing 300,500 or 600mcg per tablet

Question 6

Side effects of GTN

Answer 6

Headache
Dizziness
Hypotension