What is the Full Form of NTG?

The full form of NTG is Nitroglycerin, a yellow liquid substance, which is used to provide relief to patients exhibiting anginal chest discomfort. This compound belongs to the “Nitrates” class of drugs. This liquid is used to treat angina pectoris caused by acute prophylaxis and artery diseases. It is also used by doctors and medical professionals in patients showing signs of coronary artery spasm, hypertensive urgency, cocaine use, and severe anal fissures. 

Administration of NTG

Nitroglycerin is administered Orally and through Transdermal and Intravenous Methods. Given below are some of the details of all three administration methods:

Orally/Tablets

NTG can be administered as tablets that are taken orally. These tablets are prescribed to patients suffering from anginal chest discomfort to prohibit or reduce the impact of severe heart disorders. A patient showing symptoms needs to allow NTG tablets to dissolve in their/her/his mouth and absorb it through their/her/his oral mucosa. Suffering patients are provided with 3 doses- 0.3 mg; 0.4 mg; or 0.6 mg. These doses are usually repeated after every 7 minutes until the patient is relieved of pain. 

Also Read: PGCert Cardiovascular Science

Transdermal Method

NTG is administered through transdermal methods in patients who are unable to take all three doses of nitroglycerin tablets. In this medical therapy, medical practitioners administer NTG through the skin, preferably where there is less hair as it blocks absorption. Transdermal Method is only used for patients suffering from angina prophylaxis. Different doses of NTG are applied through Transdermal Patches on an hourly basis. 

Intravenous Method

The emergency departments and ICUs of hospitals and trauma centres administer nitroglycerin through injections when sublingual NTG fails to provide symptomatic relief. In situations where patients need instant symptomatic relief, medical professionals offer NTG as a 5% dextrose in infusion. NTG through intravenous methods is used to treat acute heart failure, coronary syndromes, and hypertensive emergencies. 

Also Read: Cardiovascular Sciences – MSc by Research

Side Effects of NTG

Overdose of Nitroglycerin is toxic and can cause the following effects on patients:

• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Visual Abnormalities
• Vertigo
• Paralysis
• Heart Attack
• Nausea
• Fever
• Coma
• Heart Block
• Convulsions

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