Organic nitrates
Nitroglycerin
The FDA lists this product in 60 strengths and forms.
Indications
Nitroglycerin ointment, 0.4% is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe pain associated with chronic anal fissure. Nitroglycerin ointment, 0.4% is a nitrate vasodilator indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe pain associated with chronic anal fissure ( 1 ).
Contraindications
Use of PDE5 inhibitors (e.g. sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil) as these are shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of organic nitrates. ( 4.1 ). Severe anemia ( 4.2 ) Increased intracranial pressure ( 4.3 ) Known hypersensitivity to nitroglycerin, other nitrates and nitrites, or any components of the ointment. ( 4.4 )
4.1PDE5 Inhibitor Use Administration
of nitroglycerin ointment, 0.4% is contraindicated in patients who are using a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), such as sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil, as these are shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of organic nitrates [see
7.1DRUG
INTERACTIONS ].
4.2Severe Anemia
Nitroglycerin ointment, 0.4% is contraindicated in patients with severe anemia.
4.3Increased Intracranial Pressure
Nitroglycerin ointment, 0.4% is contraindicated in patients with increased intracranial pressure.
4.4Hypersensitivity
Nitroglycerin ointment, 0.4% is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to it or to other nitrates or nitrites. Skin reactions consistent with hypersensitivity have been observed with organic nitrates.



