glyceryl trinitrate
Last reviewed 01/2018
This is a short-acting nitrate that can be administered sublingually to relieve attacks of angina. It may also be used prophylactically before any activity that precipitates angina.
- sublingual GTN:
- rapid onset of action
- effective for 20-30 minutes
- dose is 0.3-1mg
- GTN spray:
- deliver 0.4mg per metered dose
- stable for up to 2 years
- intravenous GTN:
- infuse at 10-200 micrograms per minute
- in most patients the dose should be titrated to keep the systolic blood pressure above 90 mmHg
Rarely, methaemoglobinaemia has been associated with prolonged administration.