Nitrocot

Nitrocot is a vasodilator drug that is used to prevent an attack of angina pectoris (chest pain)that is caused by coronary artery disease. It is also used to relief an ongoing attack of angina.

Nitrocot belongs to the group of drugs called nitrates. It relaxes the blood vessels and increases the blood supply to the heart and as a result reduces the workload of the heart cells.

It also helps in preventing the attacks of angina if used regularly for the long term. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Spray
• Tablet
• Tablet, Extended Release
• Capsule, Extended Release

Your doctor will inform you of what you need to know before using Nitrocot. Every medicine has potential side effects. So, the benefits of a drug should always be weighed against its associated risks. Your doctor will consider these risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them.

Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.

Age-specific problems: The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric age group is not yet available. Its safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 12 years of age.

The studies specific to the geriatric age group have not shown any additional adverse effects, that would limit the use of this drug in old age group.

Pregnancy: Regarding the safety of usage of this drug during pregnancy, it comes under “C” category, which means that clinical trials on animals have revealed harmful effects to the developing fetus or relevant studies have not been performed.

Drug Interactions: Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand, certain drugs are allowed to be used together.

So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug.

Following drugs should be used with caution:

• Avanafil
• Sildenafil
• Riociguat
• Vardenafil
• Tadalafil
• Acetylcysteine
• Aspirin
• Dihydroergotamine
• Pancuronium

Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco.

You should also inform your doctor about any other medical condition you may be suffering from: 

• Anemia, severe
• Head injury, severe with increased pressure in the head
• Brain tumor
• Heart attack, acute (already occurring)—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
• Heart attack, recent
• Congestive heart failure
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Heart disease (eg, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, constrictive pericarditis, aortic or mitral stenosis)
• Hypovolemia (low amount of blood)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

To use Nitrocot properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Nitrocot is available in two types of dosage forms, both of which are used for different reasons. The extended-release capsules are used on a daily basis to prevent angina attacks.

The sublingual tablets and oral spray work quickly to stop an ongoing angina attack. They can be used to prevent angina if you plan to exercise or expect a stressful event.

To avoid adverse effects, this drug should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not overuse or misuse this drug and do not use it longer than the recommended time. Read all the instructions mentioned in the medication guide.

Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or swallowed. They work much faster when absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

Place the tablet under the tongue or between the cheek and gum, and let it dissolve. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or use chewing tobacco while a tablet is dissolving.

These tablets should relief the pain in 1 to 5 minutes. If your pain is not relieved you can take another tablet . Contact your doctor right away if your pain is not relieved even after 3 tablets.

Do not miss any dose. The dose of this drug varies according to the condition of each person. The number of doses per day, the time interval between the doses and the length of time you have to take the medicine depends on your condition individually and all these factors should only be determined by your healthcare provider.

Follow each and every instruction of your doctor and also read the label carefully.

In case you miss one dose of this drug, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your subsequent dose, you can then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Storage: This medicine should be stored at room temperature within a closed container, away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Keep this drug out of the reach of children. Do not store expired or outdated medicines or the medicine no longer needed.

In using Nitrocot, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Avoid taking avanafil (Stendra®), sildenafil (Viagra®), riociguat (Adempas®), tadalafil (Cialis®), or vardenafil (Levitra®) while using nitroglycerin.

Using these medicines together may cause lightheadedness, blurred vision, dizziness, or fainting. If you are taking these medicines and you have an angina attack, you must go to the hospital right away.

Nitroglycerin can cause headaches. These headaches are a sign that the drug is working. Do not stop using the medicine or change the time you use it in order to avoid the headaches. If you have severe pain, talk with your doctor

Regular follow-up is necessary during and after the treatment. It is important to allow your doctor to monitor your progress and to make sure that there aren’t any side effects from the medication.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms have not improved even after taking the full course of treatment. The doctor may order some blood tests in order to determine the blood levels of the drug.

Avoid taking any other medicine unless thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Always ask your doctor before using any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Nitrocot. Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.

This medication is associated with following side effects:

• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• difficult or labored breathing
• the feeling of warmth or heat
• feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheadedness
• headache
• flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
• rapid weight gain
• tightness in the chest
• sweating
• tingling of the hands or feet
• bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms
• unusual weight gains or loss
• dark urine
• pale skin
• fever
• sore throat
• rapid heart rate
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• blurred vision
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• chest tightness or heaviness
• arm, back, or jaw pain
• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion
• cracks in the skin
• cough
• the difficulty with swallowing
• fast, irregular, pounding or racing heartbeat or pulse
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fainting
• the feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• hives, itching or rash
• the feeling of warmth
• nausea or vomiting
• increased sweating
• loss of heat from the body
• red, swollen skin
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• the sensation of spinning
• scaly skin

Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms while on this medication. Also, contact your healthcare professional immediately, if have overdosed on this drug.

If any of these side effects becomes more bothersome or does not go away, contact your doctor.