Medications and Drugs
Brand Names: Nitro-Bid, Nitrol Appli-KitGeneric Name: nitroglycerin (topical) (Pronunciation: NYE troe GLIS er in)
What is nitroglycerin topical (Nitro-Bid, Nitrol Appli-Kit)?Nitroglycerin is in a group of drugs called nitrates. Nitroglycerin dilates (widens) blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through them and easier for the heart to pump. Nitroglycerin topical (for the skin) is used to prevent attacks of chest pain (angina). Nitroglycerin topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. What are the possible side effects of nitroglycerin topical (Nitro-Bid, Nitrol Appli-Kit)?Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. What is the most important information I should know about nitroglycerin topical (Nitro-Bid, Nitrol Appli-Kit)?You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur), or isosorbide dinitrate (BiDil, Isordil). Before using nitroglycerin topical, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, glaucoma, anemia, or a history of heart attack, stroke, or head injury. Do not use this medication to treat an angina attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough. Nitroglycerin topical can cause severe headaches, especially when you first start using it. Do not stop using nitroglycerin, and ask your doctor before using any headache pain medication. Nitroglycerin topical can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of nitroglycerin topical. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as worsening chest pain, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, vomiting, sweating, blurred vision and dry mouth, or fainting. (Page 1 of 3) |
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Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Introduction
Heart disease is the number 1 killer in the United States. Every day, more than 2600 Americans die from cardiovascular disease, which amounts to 1 death every 33 seconds.
Most of these deaths occur with little or no warning, from a syndrome called sudden cardiac arrest. The most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest is a disturbance in the heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation.
Ventricular fibrillation is dangerous because it cuts off blood supply to the brain and other vital organs.
- The ventricles are the chambers that pump blood out of the heart and into the blood vessels. This blood supplies oxygen and other nutrients to organs, cells, and other structures.
- If these structures do not receive enough blood, they start to shut down, or fail.
- If blood flow is not restored immediately, permanent brain damage or death is the result.
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