GTN

Question 1

What is the mechanism of action of GTN?

Answer 1

●GTN is a vasoconstrictor, it dilates the veins and arteries, reducing the pre-load (venous return) and peripheral vascular resistance (after load) which decreases the myocardial oxygen demand.

Question 2

What are the indications for GTN?

Answer 2

●Myocardial Ischaemia.
●Cardiogenic Pulmonary Odema.
●STEMI.
●Control of Hypertension.

Question 3

What are the contraindications of GTN?

Answer 3

●Known severe allergy.
●HR above 150.
●HR less than 40bpm.
●BP below 110 systolic.
●VT.

Question 4

What are the cautions for GTN?

Answer 4

●STEMI (Can cause a significant reduction of cardiac output particularly in right sided STEMI.)
●Frail.
●Signs of shock.
●Dysrthymia (Can cause reduced cardiac output.)
●Known aortic or mitral stenosis (Can cause reduced cardiac output.)
●Has taken a phosphodiesterase inhibitor within last 24 hours (Erectile dysfunction drug.)

Question 5

What is the dose of GTN?

Answer 5

●0.4mg for Myocardial Ischaemia every 5 minutes. Increase the dose to every 10 minutes if there is a caution present.
●STEMI- 0.4mg with caution.
●0.8mg for CPO every 5 minutes or increase to 10 minutes with a caution present.
●0.4mg for control of HTN every 5 minutes.

Question 6

What are the side effects of GTN?

Answer 6

●Hypotension.
●Flushing.
●Headache.
●Tachycardia.
●Lightheaded sensation.