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NITROGLYCERIN
Nitroglycerin forms nitric oxide, which activates guanylate cyclase, leading to increased cyclic GMP and subsequent vasodilation in smooth muscle.
At a glance
| Generic name | NITROGLYCERIN |
|---|---|
| Also known as | glyceryl trinitrate, GTN |
| Drug class | Nitrate Vasodilator [EPC] |
| Target | Nitric oxide synthase pathway |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Metabolic |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1981 |
Mechanism of action
Nitroglycerin is metabolized to form nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator. NO binds to and activates guanylate cyclase, an enzyme that converts GTP to cyclic GMP. Increased levels of cyclic GMP lead to dephosphorylation of myosin light chains, which relaxes smooth muscle cells and causes vasodilation. This mechanism is crucial for reducing the workload on the heart and improving blood flow to the myocardium.
Approved indications
- Acute relief of angina pectoris due to coronary artery disease — 1L
Pipeline indications
- Enhancing wound perfusion in high-risk lower extremity orthopaedic surgery — Phase 1
- Comparing sesame oil, nitroglycerin ointment, and aloe vera gel — Phase 2
- Effect of topically-applied milrinone or nitroglycerin on internal mammary artery free flow — Phase 3
- Evaluating the effects of nitroglycerin on heart function and urinary output in patients with acute heart failure — Phase 4
- Subcutaneous nitroglycerin to facilitate trans-radial access — Phase 4
Common side effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Paresthesia
Drug interactions
- Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors
- Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators
- Ergotamine
Key clinical trials
- Glyceryl Trinitrate Gel Phonophoresis on Planter Fasciiatis (NA)
- Effect of Topically-applied Milrinone or Nitroglycerin on Internal Mammary Artery Free Flow (PHASE3)
- Subcutaneous Nitroglycerin to Facilitate Trans-radial Access. (PHASE4)
- Evaluating the Effects of Nitroglycerin on Heart Function and Urinary Output in Patients With Acute Heart Failure (PHASE4)
- Mannitol Versus Nitroglycerin for Kidney Injury Prevention in Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy or Cystectomy (NA)
- Study of Different Therapeutic Strategies in Hydatidiform Mole With Lung Nodule (NA)
- A Study to Learn About How Safe Nitroglycerin is and How it Affects the Body When Taken Along With Nurandociguat in People With Coronary Artery Disease (PHASE1)
- Optimized Strict Fluid Management Helps Improve Endpoints After Liver Dissection (NA)
Patents
| Patent | Expiry | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 7872049 | 2029-03-12 | Formulation |
| 9101592 | 2032-03-11 | Formulation |
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
| FDA Orange Book | Patents + exclusivity |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- NITROGLYCERIN CI brief — competitive landscape report
- NITROGLYCERIN updates RSS · CI watch RSS