Condition
Nitroglycerin overdose
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.Published 28 April 20051 min read
Key points
- Nitroglycerin poisoning occurs when an overdose of nitroglycerin (used as medication to open coronary blood vessels) has been swallowed.
- Poison Control, or a local emergency number Call Poison Control or your local emergency number - they will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital.
- Expectations (prognosis) Deaths have occurred, but are rare.
- See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses.
Definition
Nitroglycerin poisoning occurs when an overdose of nitroglycerin (used as medication to open coronary blood vessels) has been swallowed.
Poisonous Ingredient
Nitroglycerin
Where Found
Nitroglycerin in solid (tablet) form:
- Tridil
- Nitro-Bid
- Nitrostat
- Nitrolingual
- Nitrogard
- Nitrong
- Nitrocine
- Nitroglyn
- Minitran
- Nitro-Dur
- Transderm-Nitro
- Deponit
- Nitrodisc
- Nitrol
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms
- Body as a whole
o Coma
o Confusion
o Death
o Dizziness
o Fainting
o Flushing
o headache - Respiratory
o Shortness of breath
o Slow breathing - Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
o Difficulty seeing - Skin
o Bluish color to lips and fingernails
o Cold - Gastrointestinal
o diarrhea
o Cramping
o Loss of appetite
o nausea and Vomiting - Heart and blood vessels
o Low Blood pressure
o Heart palpitations
o Rapid heartbeat or slow heartbeat - Nervous system
o Convulsions
Home Treatment
DO NOT induce Vomiting.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
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