Long-Acting Nitroglycerin for Angina, 1982: Old Dog, New Tricks
Authors: NATHANIEL REICHEK
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1982)

Editorials1 November 1982Long-Acting Nitroglycerin for Angina, 1982: Old Dog, New TricksNATHANIEL REICHEK, M.D., ST. JOHN SUTTON MARTIN, M.B.NATHANIEL REICHEK, M.D.Search for more papers by this author, ST. JOHN SUTTON MARTIN, M.B.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-97-5-774 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptTreatment of angina with nitroglycerin is more than 100 years old, but recent advances promise to revolutionize its use (1). With intravenous, long-acting transdermal and long-acting transmucosal nitroglycerin recently available, we stand on the threshold of an era of rational, effective nitroglycerin prophylaxis. To provide real benefits to patients, clinicians will have to use nitroglycerin more critically and systematically than in the past.The basic action of nitroglycerin is relaxation of vascular smooth muscle (2). The molecular mechanism of this action remains unclear. Although calcium flux may be altered, nitroglycerin is not similar in mechanism to nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem...References1. MURRELL W. Nitroglycerin as a remedy for angina pectoris. Lancet. 1979;1:284-92. Google Scholar2. MASONBRAUNWALD DE. The effects of nitroglycerin and amyl nitrite on anteriolar and venous tone in the human forearm. Circulation. 1965;32:755-66. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar3. FLECKENSTEIN A. Specific pharmacology of calcium in myocardium, cardiac pacemakers, and vascular smooth muscle. Ann Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 1977;17:149-66. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar4. MCNIFFYACOBIYOUNG-CHANGGOLDENGOLDFARBFUNG EAFLAH. Pharmacokinetics of nitroglycerin after intravenous infusion in normal subjects. 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In: BUSSMAN WD, DRIES RR, WAGNER W, eds. Advances in Pharmacotherapy; Vol. 1: Controlled Release Nitroglycerin in Buccal and Oral Form. Basel: S Karger AG; 1982. Google Scholar20. LICHSTEINGREENGARTBOLTONHOLLANDERSANDERS EASGM. Efficacy of buccal synchron nitroglycerin in patients with angina pectoris. In: BUSSMAN WD, DRIES RR, WAGNER W, eds. Advances in Pharmacotherapy; Vol. 1: Controlled Release Nitroglycerin in Buccal and Oral Form. Basel: S Karger AG; 1982. Google Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: Department of Medicine Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited ByRecent developments in nitrate therapy of ischaemic heart diseaseExperience with Intrainstitutional Clinical Evaluations of Newly Marketed Preparations as a Basis for Drug-Product Selection to Hospital FormulariesPharmacology of the nitrates in angina pectorisFailure of transdermal nitroglycerin to improve exercise capacity in patients with angina pectorisTreatment of Ischemic Digital Ulcers with Nitroglycerin OintmentNitroglycerin and long-acting nitrates in clinical practiceBuccal Nitroglycerin 1 November 1982Volume 97, Issue 5Page: 774-776KeywordsAnginaCalciumProphylaxisSmooth muscles Issue Published: 1 November 1982 PDF DownloadLoading ...