This article describes nitroglycerin sublingual* tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for nitroglycerin. If you want to know more about nitroglycerin sublingual tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.

Nitroglycerin sublingual tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Nitrostat. Nitroglycerin also comes in an injection, spray, aerosol solution, patch, and ointment. But those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about those forms, talk with your doctor.

* A sublingual tablet dissolves under the tongue or inside your cheek.

Form and strengths of nitroglycerin

Nitroglycerin sublingual tablet comes as follows:

Form: tablet that dissolves under your tongue or inside your cheek
Strengths: 0.3 milligrams (mg), 0.4 mg, 0.6 mg

Dosage of nitroglycerin

This article describes the recommended dosages for nitroglycerin sublingual tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of nitroglycerin sublingual tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of nitroglycerin in adults

Nitroglycerin sublingual tablet is approved to relieve and prevent chest pain (angina) from certain heart disease. Specifically, this heart disease causes the arteries to your heart to become blocked or narrowed. Nitroglycerin is approved for use in adults.

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of nitroglycerin sublingual tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of nitroglycerin sublingual tablet that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage to relieve sudden chest pain (angina)

The recommended dosage to relieve sudden chest pain is:

Dose: one tablet of the strength your doctor prescribes
Frequency: Take one dose at the first sign of chest pain. Repeat the dose every 5 minutes until your chest pain is relieved.
Maximum dose: You may take three doses in 15 minutes. If you still have chest pain after 3 doses, seek medical attention right away.

Dosage to prevent chest pain (angina)

The recommended dosage to prevent chest pain is:

Dose: one tablet of the strength your doctor prescribes
Frequency: 5–10 minutes before participating in an activity that may cause chest pain

Dosage adjustments for nitroglycerin

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of nitroglycerin sublingual tablet based on several factors. These include:

the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
your age
other health conditions you may have

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about nitroglycerin sublingual tablet and its dosage.

How long does it take a dose of nitroglycerin to start working?

It takes nitroglycerin sublingual tablet about 1–3 minutes to start relieving chest pain. It can take about 5 minutes for the medication to provide its full effect.

To learn more about how long it takes nitroglycerin sublingual tablet to work, talk with your doctor.

Is nitroglycerin taken long term?

No, doctors don’t typically prescribe nitroglycerin sublingual tablet as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended for short-term use.

To learn more about treatment with nitroglycerin sublingual tablet or how it works, talk with your doctor.

How nitroglycerin is taken

You’ll take nitroglycerin sublingual tablet by placing it under your tongue or inside your cheek. It will dissolve by itself. Do not crush, chew, or swallow the tablet. You should not eat or drink until the tablet has completely dissolved.

To relieve chest pain: At the first sign of chest pain, take one nitroglycerin sublingual tablet. You can take a tablet up to three times in 15 minutes. Take each dose 5 minutes apart.

To prevent chest pain: Before an activity that might cause chest pain, take one nitroglycerin sublingual tablet. Take the dose 5–10 minutes before participating in the activity.

Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Nitroglycerin coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for nitroglycerin when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Overdose of nitroglycerin

It’s important that you do not take more nitroglycerin sublingual tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of nitroglycerin overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

severely low blood pressure
consistent, throbbing headaches
a form of dizziness known as vertigo
irregular heartbeat, which is also called palpitations
changes in your vision
skin that’s sweaty and reddened or deepened in color
nausea
bloody diarrhea
vomiting
fainting
blood that is brown rather than red, which is known as methemoglobinemia
changes in breathing
slowed pulse
interference in heart signals, which is known as heart block
confusion
fever
loss of muscle function

In extreme cases or if untreated, overdose can lead to coma or death.

What to do if you take too much nitroglycerin

If you think you’ve taken too much nitroglycerin, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for nitroglycerin sublingual tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of nitroglycerin sublingual tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take nitroglycerin sublingual tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

Will you adjust my dosage of nitroglycerin sublingual tablet if I’m taking other medications?
Would a higher dosage of nitroglycerin sublingual tablet raise my risk of side effects?
If nitroglycerin sublingual tablet doesn’t relieve my chest pain, will you prescribe a higher dose?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.