Nitropaste, applied as a patch, alleviates chest pain symptoms and high blood pressure, according to the "PDR Nurse's Drug Handbook." Nitropaste is the first line of defense used by emergency squads and emergency room personnel when a person exhibits signs of a possible heart attack. Close monitoring of the effects of nitropaste must follow administration of the drug as serious side effects requiring immediate medical intervention may occur.
Severe Headache
The most commonly experienced side effect and one most often complained of, is an instant and severe headache, reports Rxlist.com. This pounding headache may occur immediately with administration of nitropaste. As the active ingredient, nitroglycerin dilates blood vessels allowing more oxygenated blood to reach the heart muscles. It also has the same effect on the brain.
Increased Intracranial Pressure
Because of the increased blood flow to the brain from dilation of arteries, the dangerous side effect of increased intracranial pressure may occur, according to the PDR. The danger of this event is that a blood vessel may incur so much pressure that it bursts, causing a brain bleed. Brain bleeds are one form of stroke.
Slow Heart Rate
Bradycardia occurs when the heart rate falls below 60 beats per minute. Nitropaste slows the heart rate and it is used when heart rates get high enough to cause heart attacks. After administration of nitropaste, frequent monitoring of the heart rate is required to note any sudden drops in beats per minute. Even in the case of chest pain, nitropaste should not be applied unless the heart rate is at least 90 beats per minute.
Sudden Blood Pressure Drop
As the arteries expand due to nitropaste's dilation actions, blood pressure can quickly bottom out, according to "Mosby's 2010 Nursing Drug Reference." If the patient's systolic blood pressure reads lower than 90, applying nitropaste creates a dangerous situation in which the patient could lose consciousness. Frequent monitoring of blood pressure is also required after administration of nitropaste.
Nausea
Most patients complain of terrible nausea following administration of nitropaste. When blood vessels dilate and allow a greater amount of blood to flow through the vessels, it is applied to all blood vessels, including those in the stomach lining. An anti-nausea medication usually calms the stomach down, and may be required until a physician discontinues the nitropaste.
References
- "PDR Nurse's Drug Handbook 2010"; Thomson Reuters and Alexander Ivy; 2009
- "Mosby's 2010 Nursing Drug Reference"; Linda Skidmore-Roth; 2009
- RxList: Transderm Nitro Side Effects
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