NitroMist (nitroglycerin sublingual spray) belongs to 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.
Nitromist is used to treat or prevent attacks of chest pain (angina).
Nitromist may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use NitroMist if you are also using medicine to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), such as riociguat, (Adempas), sildenafil (Revatio), or tadalafil (Adcirca). Do not take erectile dysfunction medicine (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and others) while you are taking nitroglycerin, or you could have a sudden and serious decrease in blood pressure.
You should not use Nitromist if you have severe anemia (low red blood cells), or if you have a condition that causes increased pressure inside the skull (such as a head injury or brain tumor) ), or if you have symptoms of circulation problems or shock (pale skin, cold sweat, fast or irregular heartbeats, sudden weakness or feeling like you might pass out).
Seek emergency medical attention if you have early symptoms of a heart attack (chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Nitromist if you are allergic to nitroglycerin, or if:
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you are using medicine to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), such as riociguat (Adempas), sildenafil (Revatio), or tadalafil (Adcirca).
Do not take erectile dysfunction medicine (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Stendra, Staxyn, sildenafil, avanafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) while you are taking nitroglycerin. Using erectile dysfunction medicine with nitroglycerin can cause a sudden and serious decrease in blood pressure.
You should not use Nitromist if you have:
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severe anemia (low red blood cells);
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a head injury, brain tumor, or other condition that causes increased pressure inside the skull; or
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symptoms of circulation problems or shock (pale skin, cold sweat, fast or irregular heartbeats, sudden weakness or feeling like you might pass out).
To make sure Nitromist is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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congestive heart failure;
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heart rhythm disorder (especially if you take medicine to treat this condition);
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a history of heart attack, stroke, or head injury;
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low blood pressure;
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glaucoma;
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migraine headaches; or
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if you are dehydrated.
It is not known whether Nitromist will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
It is not known whether nitroglycerin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use Nitromist?
Use NitroMist exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. If you use too much nitroglycerin, the medicine might stop working as well in controlling your symptoms.
If possible, try to rest or stay seated when you use this medication. NitroMist can cause dizziness or fainting.
How to use NitroMist sublingual spray to treat an angina attack: At the first sign of an attack, apply the spray directly on or under your tongue. Close your mouth after each spray. Do not inhale the spray. Do not shake the spray before or during use. You may use additional sprays every 5 minutes, but not more than 3 sprays in 15 minutes.
You may use NitroMist spray within 5 to 10 minutes before an activity you think might cause chest pain. Follow your doctor"s instructions.
Seek emergency medical attention if your chest pain gets worse or lasts more than 5 minutes, especially if you have trouble breathing or feel weak, dizzy, or nauseated, or lightheaded. You may feel a slight burning or stinging in your mouth when you use NitroMist. However, this sensation is not a sign of how well the medication is working. Do not use more medication just because you do not feel a burning or stinging.
This medication can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using NitroMist.
Keep this medicine on hand at all times in case of an angina attack. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
If you take NitroMist on a regular schedule to prevent angina, do not stop taking it suddenly or you could have a severe attack of angina. Keep this medicine on hand at all times in case of an angina attack. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Keep the spray away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Nitromist is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if your next dose is less than 2 hours away. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of nitroglycerin can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include a severe throbbing headache, confusion, fever, fast or pounding heartbeats, dizziness, vision problems, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, trouble breathing, cold or clammy skin, fainting, and seizures.
What should I avoid while taking Nitromist?
This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can lower your blood pressure, and may increase some of the side effects of Nitromist (dizziness, drowsiness, feeling light-headed, or fainting).
Nitromist side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to NitroMist: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Seek emergency medical attention if you have symptoms of a heart attack, such as:
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chest pain or pressure;
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pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder; or
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nausea, sweating, general ill feeling.
Nitromist can cause severe headaches, especially when you first start using it. These headaches may gradually become less severe as you continue to use nitroglycerin. Do not stop taking this medicine. Ask your doctor before using any headache pain medication.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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severe or throbbing headaches that do not become less severe with continued use of nitroglycerin;
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pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
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slow heart rate;
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blurred vision or dry mouth; or
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.
Common NitroMist effects may include:
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mild burning or tingling with the tablet in your mouth;
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headache;
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dizziness, spinning sensation;
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nausea, vomiting;
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flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
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pale skin, increased sweating; or
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feeling weak or dizzy.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Nitromist?
Many drugs can interact with nitroglycerin. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your medications and any you start or stop using during treatment with Nitromist, especially:
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aspirin or heparin;
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a diuretic or "water pill";
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medicine to treat depression or mental illness; or
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ergot medicine to treat migraine headache, such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, or methylergonovine.
This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with nitroglycerin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.
