Nitro Drip

Section 8 - MEDICATION GUIDELINES

ANTIANGINALS

Nitroglycerin Drip (NITROL, TRIDIL, NITROSTAT) / Antianginal

DESCRIPTION

• Reduces cardiac oxygen demand by decreasing preload and afterload. Also increases blood flow through the collateral coronary vessels.

INDICATIONS

• Chest pain associated with Angina Pectoris and Myocardial Infarction, CHF, HTN,

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Increased intracranial hemorrhage. Hypersensitivity to the medication. Systolic BP < 90 mm Hg.
  • Administer with caution and only use a nitro drip in patients who present with potential Right Ventricular Infarction as identified by a 12 Lead EKG.

PRECAUTIONS

• It may induce headache that is sometimes severe. Patients may develop tolerance. Watch for hypotension. MUST BE ON AN INFUSION REGULATOR.

DOSAGE

• Initial infusion rate is 5-15 mcg / minute. Titrate to effect.
• See appendices for infusion rate chart.