Is nitroglycerin ointment available over the counter?

Is Rectiv (nitroglycerin) available over-the-counter? Rectiv (nitroglycerin) requires a prescription from your healthcare provider. There are limited over-the-counter options to help with anal fissures, although you might want to consider something with lidocaine to help with the pain.

What ointment has nitroglycerin?

Nitroglycerin ointment (Rectiv) is used in adults to treat pain from anal fissures (a split or tear in the tissue near the rectal area). Nitroglycerin is in a class of medications called vasodilators.

Where is nitroglycerin ointment applied?

Gently insert your finger with the ointment into the anal canal. Do not push your finger past the first finger joint. Carefully apply the ointment around the inner sides of the anal canal. If you have too much pain in the anal canal, apply the ointment directly to the skin on the outside.

How long does nitroglycerin ointment take to work?

This form of nitrate is used to reduce the number of angina attacks over a long time. It will not relieve an attack that has already started because it works too slowly. The ointment and patch forms release medicine gradually to provide an effect for 7 to 10 hours.

Is there a substitute for nitroglycerin?

Slather Nitro Paste Hayes, PharmD, an ED pharmacist and toxicologist at the University of Maryland, recommends ED physicians reach for an alternative formulation, such as nitro paste or sublingual tablets. Hayes says the shortage has choked their hospital’s IV nitroglycerin inventory down to a few bottles.

Do you cover nitroglycerin ointment?

Do not rub the ointment into the skin. Using the paper, lightly spread the ointment to cover an area of a size directed by your doctor. Tape the paper applicator into place and cover with plastic wrap to avoid staining your clothing.

What happens if you take nitroglycerin?

Taking nitroglycerin when not needed can lead to severe headaches for one. It also could lead to an unsafe drop in blood pressure and can cause tachycardia which is a rapid heart rate, palpitations and fainting.

What is nitroglycerin rectal ointment?

Descriptions. Nitroglycerin rectal ointment is used to relieve moderate to severe pain caused by chronic anal fissures. An anal fissure is a tear in the skin around the opening for bowel movements, also known as the anus or rectal area. Nitroglycerin belongs to the group of medicines called nitrates.

What is nitroglycerin cream used for?

One of the most common uses of nitroglycerin cream includes the treatment of chest pain. Nitroglycerin ointment is usually used to prevent chest pain or heal tears in the anus.

What is the dosage of Nitro paste?

Thus, one appropriate dosing schedule for NITRO-BID ® would begin with two daily 1/2- inch (7.5 mg) doses, one applied on rising in the morning and one applied six hours later. The dose could be doubled, and even doubled again, in patients tolerating this dose but failing to respond to it.