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You are in: Home > Heart Information > Living With Heart Conditions > Angina > Using GTN

Using GTN

• What is GTN?
• How to use GTN
• Tips for using GTN

What is GTN

Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) is a type of heart drug, called a nitrate. Nitrates open up the arteries by relaxing the muscle in the artery wall causing the blood vessels to dilate. This reduces the work the heart muscle has to do.

GTN is used to relieve angina pain when it happens. It is absorbed in the mouth, under the tongue (sublingual) making it effective in 1 – 2 mins with the effect lasting 20 – 30 mins. It can be used in tablet or spray form, whichever you prefer.

Learning to use your GTN correctly and at the right time is a big step towards taking control of angina.

Some people think that if they have to use their tablets or spray a lot it means that they are worse; others think that by not using their spray it means they are better. Neither of these ways of thinking is going to help you.

GTN is very useful and effective in helping control angina. Accepting the use of your GTN spray or tablets will give you much more freedom and take away the fear of pain coming on.

It is also helpful to explain to those around you about using your GTN. This will alleviate their fear and also give you reassurance that you will get help if you need it.

Side effects of GTN include:

• Headache
• Flushing
• Dizziness
• Nausea

If you use your GTN and it wasn't necessary, the worst thing likely to happen to you is a headache.

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How to use GTN

After being diagnosed with angina it is important that you learn how to deal with an 'attack'. The following table shows what to do when you feel your angina coming on.

Please note: If you are having chest pain for the first time then you must seek urgent medical advice.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE ANGINA / CHEST PAIN

STEP 1 : Pain / breathlessness: stop what you are doing and sit down. Take 1 dose GTN (Spray / tablet) wait 5 minutes

STEP 2: If pain / breathlessness remains: take another dose GTN wait 5 minutes

STEP 3: If pain / breathlessness remains: take another dose GTN wait 5 minutes

STEP 4: If pain / breathlessness remains: call 999

Stable angina is normally relieved by stopping what you are doing and taking your GTN. You will not normally move beyond step 1 in the above table.

If your angina attacks are happening more frequently / with less and less activity and are not relieved by GTN then try not to panic. Follow steps 2, 3 and 4 and do not hesitate in calling 999 if you think you need to.

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Tips for using GTN

• GTN can be used prior to doing an activity that you might be afraid will bring angina on.
• There is no limit to the number of occasions you can take GTN.
• It is not addictive and your body will not become used to it with frequent use.
• It is a good idea to take GTN sitting down especially when experiencing angina as it can occasionally cause dizziness.
• If you suffer a severe headache when taking GTN, a tablet can be spat out and the headache should resolve.
• GTN tablets have a short shelf life and so need to be replaced every 8 weeks when open. The spray however has a two to three year shelf life.
• Learn to recognise fear and anxiety and how to deal with it.
• Use your GTN to allow you to enjoy your life.
• Use your GTN to control angina, don't let angina control you.

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