Nitrates can cause headaches and reflex tachycardia as side effects. They are contraindicated in those with traumatic head injuries due to increased intracranial pressure or hypersensitivity. Caution should be used in those taking antihypertensives, and those with renal or liver impairment as there may be interactions. Nitrates may interact with beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics and PDE5 inhibitors causing hypotension. Drinking alcohol may also cause hypotension. If taking nitrates for chest pain, the patient should stop activity, sit or lie down, and not take more than 3 tablets. They should let the tablets dissolve under the tongue for 5 minutes and call 911 if pain is

1. Nitrates
S/E
Remember THOR
Tolerance
Headache
OH
Reflex tachycardia
Preg C
Contra's
traumatic head injury d/t increased ICP
hypersensitivity
Caution
anti-HTNsives
renal
liver
interacts
BB
CCB
diuretics
PDE5 inhibitors (viagra, cialis, levitra) = hypoBP
alcohol = hypoBP
SL teaching
stop acitivity
sit or lie down
Don't take more than 3
under tongue
let dissolve
rest 5 mins
pain not relieve 1st tab call 911
take 2nd tab
after 5 more mins. take 3rd tab if no pain relief
angina record pain
frequency how often?
intensity how feels?
duration how long?
location where is it?
DON'T CRUSH OR CHEW PO NITRO OR ISOSORBIDE TABLETS