Glycerin Trinitrate (GTN) Spray

GTN Spray is used to treat pain in the chest caused by an acute attack of angina. Sometimes it is also prescribed to prevent the symptoms of angina. It works by relaxing the blood vessels that go to the heart, which increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

The main active ingredient in this GTN Spray is Nitroglycerin, which, like other organic nitrates, is a potent dilator of vascular smooth muscle. The effect on the veins is greater than that produced on the arteries, which leads to a decrease in cardiac preload. The systemic vascular resistance is hardly changed, usually the heart rate is unaffected but can increase slightly, and the pulmonary vascular resistance decreases accordingly.

In normal individuals or those with coronary artery disease (without heart failure) nitroglycerin slightly decreases cardiac output. GTN Spray can cause flushing or redness of the face and neck due to its effect on the blood vessels supplying the area. Dilation of the meningeal arterioles could explain the headaches that often occur. Rapid administration of high doses of nitroglycerin reduces blood pressure and cardiac output causing paleness, weakness, dizziness, and activation of compensatory sympathetic reflexes. There may be a noticeable hypotensive effect, especially in an upright position.

The GTN Spray contains nitroglycerin as the active ingredient which belongs to a group of medicines called nitrates. Nitrates are administered using a variety of dose forms including tablets, patches, ointments and the spray. They can be prescribed for a variety purposes however the spray is most often used for the rapid relief of the symptoms caused by angina.

Always use the medication that you’ve been prescribed exactly as your doctor has told you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you require any clarification or concerns.

Your doctor will tell you which dose of GTN Spray is best for you and how many sprays to use and how frequently. This recommendation will be based on your individual clinical needs.

It is important to carefully follow your doctor's instructions and not to exceed the recommended dose.

Before using the spray for the first time, check that the pump is working by pressing the pump button a few times until it produces a fine mist of liquid. Practice aiming the spray onto a tissue or similar item so that you will be able to aim it correctly under the tongue (sublingual use) when you need to use it. If you do not need to use the spray very often, remember to check the pump regularly to see that it still works properly. If possible, sit down before using your spray. Rest or sit quietly, as you may feel faint or dizzy otherwise, particularly if you are elderly. Take off the plastic cap and hold the spray bottle upright. There is no need to shake the canister before dosing.

The spray outlet should then be placed close to the mouth. Hold your breath for a moment to avoid breathing in the spray, then open your mouth and spray a dose under your tongue by pressing down on the pump button then letting go. The mouth should be closed immediately after each dose (spray). The spray should not be breathed in. It is useful to become aware of the position of the spray outlet so that its using at night can be easily achieved.

At the onset of an attack use one or two doses (sprays) under your tongue, and then immediately close your mouth before breathing normally through your nose again.

If symptoms do not resolve, this dose may be repeated at five minute intervals for a total of three doses (sprays).

If symptoms have not resolved after a total of three doses (sprays), seek prompt medical attention.

For the prevention of an attack use one or two doses (sprays) immediately before the event.

Put the cap back on the spray bottle.

If you are not sure how to use the spray, ask your pharmacist to show you.

Like all medicines, this heart medication can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may come and go during treatment. Normally, they do not need medical attention, but consult your doctor in case they last or are serious.

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) • Headache Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) • Dizziness • Drowsiness • Fast heart beat • Decreased blood pressure • Fall of blood pressure when standing up or sitting up • Weakness

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) • Syncope (loss of consciousness) • Slow heart beat • Facial flushing • Circulatory collapse (failure of the blood circulation) • Nausea (feeling sick) • Vomiting (being sick)

Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) • Restlessness • Heartburn • Bad breath • Difficulty breathing • Skin rash

You can buy these GTN Spray online through one of the UK’s leading online pharmacies, Pharmacy Planet. It's easy and convenient. You will need to fill out a short assessment and the item will be delivered directly to your door. If you want to buy GTN Spray online, use Pharmacy Planet, a UK pharmacy you can trust.