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Nitroglycerin Ointment 2%
If you have coronary heart disease, nitroglycerin ointment (Nitro-Bid®) may help prevent episodes of chest pain (angina). It comes in only one strength: nitroglycerin 2% ointment.
The standard starting dose for this medicine is to apply half an inch of the ointment to the skin once in the morning and again six hours later. However, it is important that you give your body a 10- to 12-hour break from nitroglycerin ointment each day. If you use this medicine around the clock, your body would become dependent on the drug's effects and it would become ineffective within 24 hours.
(Click Nitroglycerin Ointment for more information on this angina medicine. This eMedTV article explains how this drug works, lists potential side effects, and outlines some general precautions to be aware of before starting treatment.)

Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD