Glyceryl trinitrate (Nitroglycerin(e))

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Glyceryl trinitrate (Nitroglycerin(e)) In Dogs and Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Glyceryl trinitrate (Nitroglycerin(e)) In Dogs and Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

  • Systemic vasodilator.
  • Although a potent coronary vasodilator, its major benefit in small animals follows from a reduction in venous return as a consequence of vasodilation.
  • A decrease in venous return reduces left ventricular filling pressures.

Uses of Glyceryl trinitrate (Nitroglycerin(e))

  • Short-term management of cardiogenic oedema (particularly acute pulmonary oedema) in animals with congestive heart failure.
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Dose of Glyceryl trinitrate (Nitroglycerin(e)) in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

  • 6–50 mm (¼–1 inch) Percutol applied topically to the skin q6–8h
  • Where it is used chronically for the management of heart failure (e.g. nocturnal dyspnoea) use q24h to avoid tolerance.
  • Anecdotal use of patches has been reported:
  • dogs <5kg: 1 x 5 mg/24-hour patch in 24 hours.
  • Small/medium dogs: 1 x 10 mg/24-hour patch in 24 hours.
  • Large/giant dogs: 2 x 10 mg/24-hour patch in 24 hours.
  • Cats: 3–6 mm (¼ inch) topically to the skin q6–8h
  • Anecdotal use of patches: cats 1 x 5 mg/24-hour patch in 24 hours.

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You Should Give:

Side Effects of Glyceryl trinitrate (Nitroglycerin(e)) in Dogs and Cats

  • Hypotension (reduce dose), tachycardia and a rash at the site of application.
  • Tachyphylaxis can occur.
  • Headaches are common in humans and may be an adverse effect in animals too.

Contraindications of Glyceryl trinitrate (Nitroglycerin(e)) in Dogs and Cats

  • Hypotension, hypovolaemia, cerebral haemorrhage, head trauma.

Some Notes:

  • Concurrent use of ACE inhibitors, anaesthetics, beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, corticosteroids and diuretics may enhance the hypotensive effect.
  • NSAIDs may antagonize its hypotensive effects.
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