Nitroglycerin Rectal - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Who should not use rectal nitroglycerin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use rectal nitroglycerin.

• Nitroglycerin
• Rectiv
• Any other medicine known as nitrates or nitrites
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific rectal nitroglycerin products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Rectal nitroglycerin should not be used while you are using certain other medicines. Before using nitroglycerin, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

Severe Anemia. Rectal nitroglycerin should not be used if you have severe anemia, which is a condition that causes low levels of red blood cells.

Increased Pressure in Your Brain (Intracranial Pressure). Rectal nitroglycerin should not be used if you have increased intracranial pressure such as after a head injury or bleeding in your brain.

What should I know about rectal nitroglycerin  before using it?

Do not use rectal nitroglycerin unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share rectal nitroglycerin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep rectal nitroglycerin out of the reach of children.

Cover your finger with a plastic covering or gloves and apply medicine on the finger by following the dosage guide on the carton. Insert the finger into your anus and smear the medicine on the walls of the anus. If it is too painful to insert your finger, apply the medicine on the outside of the anus. Safely throw away the gloves and wash your hands.

Rectal nitroglycerin can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how rectal nitroglycerin affects you.

Headaches are a common side effect of rectal nitroglycerin and are a sign that the medicine is working. These headaches usually decrease over time with continued use. Do not change how often you are using rectal nitroglycerin unless your health care provider tells you to do so. If you have headaches that are bothersome after using rectal nitroglycerin, you can ask your health care provider if any over-the-counter pain medicines, such as acetaminophen, are safe for you to use. 

People who are 65 years of age or older can be at a greater risk for some side effects of rectal nitroglycerin. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Slowly rise from a seated or lying position. Hold onto a chair or bed in case you get dizzy.

What should I tell my health care provider before using rectal nitroglycerin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if rectal nitroglycerin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Low blood pressure 
• Heart problems including recent heart attack or heart failure
• Migraines or recurring headaches

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how rectal nitroglycerin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use rectal nitroglycerin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if rectal nitroglycerin passes into breast milk and if it can harm your baby. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use rectal nitroglycerin while breastfeeding.