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Nitroglycerin (NTG)
Nitroglycerin is a nitrate vasodilator that releases nitric oxide to relax vascular smooth muscle and dilate blood vessels, reducing cardiac preload and afterload.
Nitroglycerin is a nitrate vasodilator that releases nitric oxide to relax vascular smooth muscle and dilate blood vessels, reducing cardiac preload and afterload. Used for Acute angina pectoris (chest pain relief), Prophylaxis of angina pectoris, Heart failure (acute decompensated).
At a glance
| Generic name | Nitroglycerin (NTG) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Bristol-Myers Squibb |
| Drug class | Nitrate vasodilator |
| Target | Soluble guanylate cyclase (via nitric oxide) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Nitroglycerin is metabolized to nitric oxide, which activates guanylate cyclase and increases cGMP levels in vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to vasodilation. This reduces venous return (preload) and systemic vascular resistance (afterload), decreasing myocardial oxygen demand and improving coronary blood flow. The drug is particularly effective for acute anginal episodes and chronic angina management.
Approved indications
- Acute angina pectoris (sublingual/spray formulation)
- Chronic stable angina (long-acting formulations)
- Acute myocardial infarction
- Heart failure with pulmonary edema
Common side effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
- Flushing
- Nitrate tolerance (with chronic use)
Key clinical trials
- Evaluating the Effects of Nitroglycerin on Heart Function and Urinary Output in Patients With Acute Heart Failure (PHASE4)
- Postprocedural Contrast Mediated FFR Plus Intracoronary Infusion of Nitroglycerin in Multivessel Patients (PROMETEUS TRIAL) (NA)
- Precise Endoscopic Application of Nitroglycerin in Preventing Post-ERCP Pancreatitis (PHASE4)
- Topical Nitroglycerine for Prevention of Radial Artery Spasm (PHASE3)
- The Effect of Intranasally Administered Nitroglycerin on Hemodynamic Response to Laryngoscopy and Intubation Among Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) Surgery (NA)
- The Effect of CPC on Aborting Tilt Induced Syncope in Patients With a History of Vasovagal Syncope or Near Syncope (PHASE2)
- Habituation of the Nociceptive Blink Reflex in Experimentally Induced Migraine Attack (NA)
- Evaluation of the CIRCULATE Catheter for Transcoronary Administration of Pharmacologic and Cell-based Agents (NA)
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 |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Nitroglycerin (NTG) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Nitroglycerin (NTG) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Bristol-Myers Squibb portfolio CI