patient information leaflet glyceryl trinitrate tablets

PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

Glyceryl Trinitrate Tablets

500 micrograms and 600 micrograms

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take your medicine.
It gives you important information about your medicine
If you want to know more, or you are not sure about anything, ask your pharmacist or doctor
Keep the leafet until you have finished the medicine.

WHAT'S IN YOUR MEDICINE

Glyceryl Trinitrate are white, circular, uncoated tablets which come in two strengths. Each tablet contains either 0.525mg or 0.630mg of the active ingredient Glyceryl trinitrate 2% adsorbate which is equivalent to 500 micrograms and 600 micrograms of Glyceryl trinitate.

The tablets also contain: lactose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, colloidal anhydrous silica, mannitol (E421), acacia (E414) and water.

Glyceryl trinitrate are available in a pack size of 100.

ABOUT YOUR MEDICINE

Glyceryl Trinitrate is one of a group of medicines called nitrate vasodilators. These medicines work by relaxing the muscle layer in the blood vessel wall of the heart. This reduces the strain on the heart by making it easier to pump blood.

Glyceryl Trinitrate Tablets BP may be used for:

preventing or stopping chest pain in the condition angina pectoris

BEFORE TAKING YOUR MEDICINE

Do not take Glyceryl trinitrate if you:

have ever had an allergic reaction to glyceryl trinitrate or any of the ingredients in the tablet. (An allergic reaction may include a rash, itching, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue)
have a sensitivity to nitrates
are being treated for anaemia
have raised pressure within your head including that caused by an accident to your head or bleeding to the brain
have a condition called glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
have any condition where your blood pressure is very low or your blood is not circulating properly
have heart valve problems, inflammation of the heart surface, build up of fluids under the surface of the heart or obstructive heart failure
are taking sildenafil (Viagra) or similar medicines (phoshodiestrase type 5 inhibitors) used for the treatment of erection dysfunction

Talk to your doctor before taking Glyceryl trinitrate tablets if you have:

severe liver or kidney problems
an under active thyroid gland
had a recent heart attack
low body temperature (hypothermia)
malnutrition

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:

sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) or vardenafil (Levitra), medicines belonging to the group of medicines called phoshodies trase type 5 inhibitors
heparin
medicines used to treat high blood pressure
medicines that can cause dryness of the mouth (amitriptyline, disopyramide, atropine and propantheline)

Driving and using machines:

As glyceryl trinitrate can cause dizziness you should make sure you are not affected before driving or operating machinery.

Pregnancy and Breast-feeding:

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast feeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicines.

Taking Glyceryl trinitrate with food and drink:

You are advised NOT to drink alcohol with this medicine as some of the effects of glyceryl trinitrate are increased by alcohol. Discuss this with your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions.

Other precautions you should take:

If you have been told by your doctor; that you have intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product. If you see another doctor or go into hospital, let them know what medicines you are taking.

TAKING YOUR MEDICINE

Follow your doctor’s instructions. Check the pharmacy label to see how many tablets to take and how often to take them. If you are not sure how to take them ask your pharmacist or doctor.

The usual dosage(s) are described below:

Adult: 1 to 2 tablets should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve slowly; this dose should be repeated if symptoms are not relieved. If pain persists after a total of 3 doses in 15 minutes you should be advised to seek medical advice.

If you are elderly, it is particularly important to take this medicine exactly as directed by the doctor.

DO NOT SWALLOW THE TABLETS.

Your doctor will alter the dosage to suit your condition. If you notice that your tablets are not working as well at relieving pain as they have done, contact your pharmacist or doctor. If you need more tablets than before to help your symptoms TELL THE DOCTOR quickly. The doctor will advise what to do.

Do not take more tablets than your doctor tells you to. If you ever take too many contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell your pharmacist or doctor immediately. Take the container and any remaining tablets with you to show to the doctor.

AFTER TAKING YOUR MEDICINE

This medicine sometimes causes unwanted effects in some people. These effects may include:

Neurological and Special Senses: throbbing headache and dizziness
Cardiovascular: fast racing pulse (tachycardia), fall in blood pressure when standing up (postural hypotension)
Skin and soft tissue: localised burning sensation and facial flushing
Generalised: weakness

If you are concerned about any of these effects or get any other unusual effects, tell your pharmacist or doctor immediately. Please do not be worried. Most people taking this medicine will not experience any problems.

STORING YOUR MEDICINE

Do not use the tablets after the expiry (use by) date shown on the product packaging.

The active medicine quickly evaporates from the tablet and you should observe the following conditions to ensure continued potency of the tablets.

If you do not use the tablets within 8 weeks of first opening the bottle, obtain a fresh supply and return the old tablets to your pharmacist. (Fresh tablets should produce a slight burning sensation when placed under the tongue; if this does not occur, obtain a fresh supply). In any event do not use the tablets after the expiry date shown
Your Glyceryl Trinitrate tablets will be in a glass airtight container with a foil-lined cap. Keep them in this
After each use close the bottle cap tightly
Do not put cotton wool, other medicines, or anything else in the bottle with the tablets
Store the tablets below 25°C in a dry place, protected from light. If you need to carry them with you DO NOT carry them close to your body, rather in a purse, wallet or handbag

KEEP THEM IN A SECURE PLACE WHERE CHILDREN CANNOT GET AT OR SEE THEM. REMEMBER, this medicine is for YOU only. NEVER give it to anyone else. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours. Unless your doctor tells you to, do not keep medicines that you no longer need - give them back to your pharmacist for safe disposal.

Medicine: glyceryl trinitrate tablets