Nitro-Bid Ointment (Nitroglycerin) is a prescription drug that is used in the prevention of chest pain caused by heart disease. This topical drug is a nitrate vasodilator. Nitro-Bid Ointment (Nitroglycerin) is known to be prescribed by the doctor for reasons other than the one stated here.

Nitro-Bid Ointment (Nitroglycerin) should be administered in a way as has been prescribed by the doctor. This medication is a topical formulation and is meant for external use. It should be applied using the applicator that is provided with the drug. The applicator should be kept on a dry surface, with the printed side facing down. The prescribed amount of the formulation should be squeezed onto the applicator and placed on the desired area of the body, with the ointment facing down. Now the area should be wrapped using adhesive tape so that it does not fall off.

This drug should be kept on for 6 hours or as prescribed by the doctor. Using it in larger amounts than what has been prescribed is not recommended. Frequency of dosage depends on what the doctor prescribes. Double dosing is strictly forbidden.

Nitro-Bid Ointment (Nitroglycerin) may cause severe headaches during the first few days of starting treatment. It usually becomes less severe as days go by. Medication should not be stopped due to this. The doctor may prescribe a separate headache medication for relief. Common side effects which are not very serious are:

 mild itching and skin rash
 warmth, tingling sensation and redness of the skin
 nervousness, weakness and dizziness
 vomiting, nausea and upset stomach

The doctor should be notified immediately in case the following serious side effects occur:

 slow rate of heartbeat and worsening of the chest pain
 heavy feeling in the chest, pain in the arms and shoulders, sweating, nausea and general feeling of illness
 dry mouth and blurred vision
 pounding or fast heartbeats

In case allergic reaction is noticed emergency medical help should be called for. Symptoms of allergic reaction are rash, hives, shortness of breath and swelling in he face, tongues, throat and mouth.

Nitro-Bid Ointment (Nitroglycerin) may cause drug reactions when taken in combination with other drugs. Caution should be maintained with the following drugs:

 diuretics (water pills) or blood pressure drugs
 diet pills, allergy or cold medications, over-the-counter medications like naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
 sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis)
 beta-blockers like atenolol (Tenormin), ), metoprolol (Toprol, Lopressor), propranolol (Inderal), carvedilol (Coreg), nadolol (Corgard) and others
 migraine medications like ergotamine (Cafergot, Ergomar), dihydroergotamine (Migranal Nasal Spray, D.H.E. 45)
 calcium channel blockers like amlodipine (Norvasc), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia) nisoldipine (Sular), diltiazem (Tiazac, Cardizem, Cartia) nicardipine (Cardene), nimodipine (Nimotop) and verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Covera, Verelan).

Nitro-Bid Ointment (Nitroglycerin) is used in the prevention of chest pain caused by heart disease.

Nitro-Bid Ointment (Nitroglycerin) should be stored at room temperature and kept out of reach of children and pets.

Nitro-Bid Ointment (Nitroglycerin) should be recommended with caution to pregnant women, nursing mothers and elderly patients. It is not recommended for use in children.