Nitrates are prescription medications used to treat and prevent angina-related chest pain and to reduce symptoms of congestive heart failure by widening the blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart. Like other medications, nitrates can cause adverse side effects that should be reported to the prescribing doctor.
Function
The Texas Heart Institute explains that nitrates are a vasodilator and work to improve the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle by relaxing and dilating the blood vessels. Nitrates relax both the arteries and veins so that the workload of the heart is eased.
Forms
Nitrates are prescribed in several forms including an oral pill, a chewable tablet, a topical ointment, a transdermal patch and a translingual spray that is sprayed under the tongue. The varying forms are significant and depending on the type can be used to prevent angina pain, limit angina attacks or work immediately to relieve ongoing chest pain.
Common Effects
Some side effects of nitrates are common and usually diminish or disappear with continued use. However, all side effects should be reported to a doctor. The Texas Heart Institute lists these effects to include dizziness, headaches, flushing of the face and neck, stomach upset, vomiting, hypotension, or low blood pressure, and arrhythmia, or irregular heart beat.
Rare Effects
The Texas Heart Institute notes that less common side effects of nitrates such as fainting and restlessness can indicate a problem with the medication. The dosage should be ceased and the patient should get immediate medical attention. Other rare side effects such as blurry vision, dry mouth and skin peeling or a rash should also be immediately reported to the prescribing doctor.
Interactions
Patient UK warns that nitrates can have adverse interactions if they are taken with certain other types of medications. The prescribing doctor should be informed of any other medications and supplements the patient is taking. Health UK cautions that in particular nitrates should not be taken with sildenafil and similar medications used for erectile dysfunction. They should also not be mixed with medications that treat hypertension or high blood pressure, certain heart medications and over-the-counter and herbal cold and flu medicines. These drug combinations with nitrates can cause severely low blood pressure, dizziness, light-headedness and fainting that in some cases can be fatal.
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