Nitroglycerin

Category: pharmacological

Aliases: GTN, Nitrostat, Nitro-Dur

Pharmacological Mechanism

Prodrug → intracellular reduction (mitochondrial ALDH-2) releases nitric oxide → guanylyl cyclase activation → cGMP → smooth muscle relaxation. Predominantly venous dilation (decreases preload) at low doses; coronary + arteriolar dilation at higher doses. Tolerance develops within 24 h of continuous exposure — nitrate-free interval essential.

Half-Life (t½)

SL: 0.04h, IV: 0.04h

Dosing Guidelines

• SL: Typical 137mcg (Range: 5 - 400 mcg)
• TD: Typical 137mcg (Range: 5 - 400 mcg)
• IV: Typical 137mcg (Range: 5 - 400 mcg)
• IN: Typical 137mcg (Range: 5 - 400 mcg)

Target Organ Systems

• cardiovascular

Interactions

• NAC