Question:

Is there a max dose of SL NTG a person can take w/i 24 hrs?
Is it safe for a person to take one SL NTG every 1.2- 2 hrs. for recuuring angina, taking a total of 4 within a 24 hr. period each day for 2 days? Shouldn't this person go to the ED if their MD is not available? Sorry, I meant taking one every 1.5- 2 hrs., the angina resolves after one dose but comes back after one hr.

Answers:

A-Best: 2.5-10 mg s/l every two to three hourly is the usual dose, daily usage may develop tolerance.Nitroglycerin toxicity is generally mild. The estimated adult oral lethal dose of nitroglycerin is 200 mg to 1,200 mg. Infants may be more susceptible to toxicity from nitroglycerin. Consultation with a poison center should be considered.  

A: For many years, sublingual (SL) nitroglycerin has been used as part of the standard of care in the management of acute anginal episodes. Traditionally, patients prescribed SL nitroglycerin were advised to promptly dissolve one tablet under the tongue or in the buccal pouch at the first sign of an anginal attack. This dose was to be repeated every five minutes for a maximum of three doses. Patients were instructed to contact emergency medical services (EMS) if symptoms were not relieved after three doses, since continuous chest pain or discomfort may be suggestive of a myocardial infarction (MI). God bless,Good luck always!