Glyceryl trinitrate (Nitroglycerin(e))

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.

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.

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.