Skip to main content
Nitroglycerin Coupon - Nitroglycerin 0.2mg patch

nitroglycerin

Generic Nitro-Dur
Used for Angina
Used for Angina

Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch is a nitrate medication. It prevents angina (chest pain) by opening up your blood vessels to allow more blood to flow to the heart. Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) comes as a transdermal patch that's applied directly on your skin once daily for 12 to 14 hours, then removed. Some common side effects of this medication include headache and low blood pressure. Avoid taking nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch with sildenafil (Viagra) or other similar medications because doing so can lead to dangerously low blood pressure.

Last reviewed on February 5, 2024
basics-icon

What is Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch?

What is Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch used for?

  • Prevention of angina (chest pain)

How Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch works

Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch is a nitrate that opens the blood vessels in your heart. This helps blood reach the heart better, which puts less stress on the heart and relieves heart-related chest pain.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsNitro-Dur
Drug ClassNitrate
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$59.910
GoodRx discount
$59.91
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Headache (63%)
  • Lightheadedness (6%)
  • Low blood pressure and/or fainting (4%)

Other Side Effects

  • Skin irritation

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Dangerously low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, feeling faint

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Lightheadedness

Less common

Arm, back, or jaw pain

blurred vision

chest pain or discomfort

chest tightness or heaviness

confusion

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

fainting

fast or irregular heartbeat

nausea

sweating

unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms

dark urine

difficulty with breathing

fever

headache

pale skin

rapid heart rate

sore throat

unusual bleeding or bruising

Incidence not known

Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin

cough

difficulty with swallowing

hives or rash

itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Blurred or loss of vision

bulging soft spot on the head of an infant

change in consciousness

change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow

cold, clammy skin

disturbed color perception

double vision

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

halos around lights

headache, severe and throbbing

loss of consciousness

night blindness

overbright appearance of lights

paralysis

sensation of spinning

tunnel vision

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare

Burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch

thumbs-up

Pros

Each patch can be applied for 10 to 12 hours (as long as the patch is being worn)

Option for people who don't want to take medications by mouth

Available as a generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Not the best choice for older adults because of risk of falls

Only prevents (but can't treat) chest pain

Must remove the patch after 12 to 14 hours or less the medication might not work well over time

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch

pharmacist
  • Wear nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch for 12 to 14 hours every day, then take it off for 10 to 12 hours. It might help to set an alarm, so you remember to remove it after the right amount of time.

    • Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch can cause headaches as a side effect. To prevent headaches, get up slowly from a sitting or lying position. Also, avoid drinking alcohol. If the headaches are too bothersome for you, ask your provider if it's safe for you to take a pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).

      • Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch can lower your blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Avoid alcohol because it can worsen dizziness and lower your blood pressure more.

        Tips for how to use nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch:

        • Wash your hands before and after applying a new nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch. This helps avoid spreading medication to other people or places.

          • Apply nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch to clean, dry, hairless skin. Avoid applying nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch below the knee, below the elbow, or on skin that has folds, scar tissue, injuries, or irritation.

            • Apply nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch to a different area of the body every day to help prevent skin irritation. Fold back the remaining side of the patch to remove the backing. Then wash your hands.

              • You can shower or bathe with nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch on.

                • To remove nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch, press down on the center of the patch to raise the edges and slowly peel away from your skin. Then, wash the skin area with soap and water and dry with a towel. Then wash your hands.

                  • Your skin might feel warm and red after removing nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch. This should go away after a short amount of time. If your skin is dry, you can use lotion. Contact your provider if you have redness or a rash that isn't going away.

                    • Used nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patches still contain medication. Make sure you throw away used patches in a place that is out of reach of children and pets.

                      faqs

                      Frequently asked questions about Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch

                      What does nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch do for the heart?
                      Sometimes, people experience chest pain (angina) because there isn't enough blood flowing to the heart. Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch prevents chest pain by opening up the blood vessels so that the blood flows better. Keep in mind that nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch is applied to the skin once daily to prevent chest pain. But this medication doesn't work quickly enough to relieve chest pain if you're already experiencing symptoms.
                      Does nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch lower blood pressure?
                      Yes, nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch can cause low blood pressure as a side effect. Your risk is higher if you're an older adult, dehydrated, or are taking other medications that can lower blood pressure. Having low blood pressure can lead to symptoms such as dizziness and lightheadedness, which can make you feel off-balance. To prevent falls, hold on to something stable when you're going from a sitting to standing position. Also, consider removing or securing any rugs you have around the home that might be a tripping hazard. If the dizziness is very bothersome and you're having trouble going through the day, talk with your provider about other medication options besides nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch.
                      How long can you wear a nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch?
                      Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch is typically worn for 12 to 14 hours and taken off for 10 to 12 hours.
                      Why do I remove nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch at night?
                      Removing nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch allows your body to have a "nitroglycerin-free" period. This is so you don't build a tolerance (also known as tachyphylaxis) to the medication. Otherwise, it might not work as well to prevent chest pain.
                      Does nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch expire?
                      Yes, nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch can expire. Never use nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch past the written expiration date because it might not work as well to help with your chest pain. The expiration date should be written on the outer wrap of the patch. Contact your provider or pharmacist for a refill if your patches are expired.
                      How long does it take nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch to work?
                      After you put on a nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch, it takes about 2 hours for the patch to start delivering the full dose of the medication. Your body will continue to receive this dose for the next 10 to 12 hours.
                      GoodRxEducationalIcon

                      How to save using GoodRx

                      Compare Prices
                      1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                      Select your free coupon
                      2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                      Show coupon to your pharmacist
                      3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                      Get free couponLearn more
                      warings-icon

                      What are the risks and warnings for Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch?

                      Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                      risk-warning

                      Low blood pressure

                      • Risk factors: Older adults | Not enough fluids in the body | Taking other medications that can lower blood pressure

                        Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch can cause dangerously low blood pressure in some people, especially when you're getting up from a sitting or lying position. This can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and lightheadedness. The risk is higher for older adults and for people starting nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch for the first time. Change positions slowly until your body is used to this medication to avoid falling and hurting yourself. Get emergency help if you feel like like you are going to pass out and are experiencing an irregular heart beat, nausea, vomiting, weakness, changes in vision, cold and clammy skin, or if your chest pain gets worse.

                        Don't take nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch with phosphodiesterase inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra). Doing so can lead to dangerously low blood pressure.

                        risk-warning

                        Worsening chest pain

                        • Risk factors: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

                          Although rare, taking nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch can worsen chest pain that's caused by a heart problem called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This is a condition where your heart muscles are too thick and can't pump blood as well. If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, check with your provider to make sure that nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch is right for you. If you take nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch and it worsens your chest pain, get emergency help right away.

                          risk-warning

                          Not working well to ease chest pain

                          • Risk factors: Using nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch continuously over a longer period of time

                            Your body can get used to nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch over time. When this happens, the same amount of medication might no longer work as well as it used to prevent chest pain. This is called tolerance or tachyphylaxis. Your provider will likely tell you to avoid taking nitrates (e.g., isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) or isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)) for a certain amount of time every day to give your body a 'break' from it. Let your provider know if you experience problems with chest pain or exercise abilities during the times you are not wearing your nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch patch.

                            risk-warning

                            Headache

                            • Risk factors: First starting nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch | Higher doses of nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch | Drinking alcohol

                              Some people experience daily headaches after starting nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch. Sometimes, these headaches happen as you go from a sitting or lying position to a standing position. The headaches often ease or go away after you've used nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch a few times and your body gets used to the medication. If the headaches are bothersome, talk to your healthcare provider about other options.

                              dosage

                              Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch dosage forms

                              The average cost for 30 patches of 0.2mg of Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch is $750.75 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 20.72% off the average retail price of $946.95.
                              patch
                              Patch
                              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                              0.1mg30 patches$698.24$23.27
                              0.2mg30 patches$750.75$25.02
                              0.3mg30 patches$1534.42$51.15
                              0.4mg30 patches$840.78$28.03
                              0.6mg30 patches$911.32$30.38
                              0.8mg30 patches$1703.03$56.77

                              Typical dosing for Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch

                              • Adults: The typical starting dose is 1 patch (ranging from 0.2 mg/hr to 0.4 mg/hr) applied to the skin once daily for 12 to 14 hours, then taken off for 10 to 12 hours.

                              interactions

                              Interactions between Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch and other drugs

                              Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                              • Alteplase, Recombinant

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                              drug-cost

                              How much does Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch cost?

                              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons
                              contraindications-icon

                              Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch contraindications

                              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch will not be safe for you to take.
                              alternatives

                              What are alternatives to Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch?

                              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                              Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch
                              Used for:
                              • Prevention of angina (chest pain)

                              $59.91 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Used for:
                              • Prevention of angina (chest pain due to tight blood vessels in the heart)

                              $45.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Used for:
                              • Prevention and treatment of angina (chest pain due to tight blood vessels in the heart)

                              $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              latest news

                              What is the latest news about Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch?

                              images

                              Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch images

                              This medicine is Colorless, Rectangular Patch.
                              This medicine is Colorless Patch.

                              Get savings updates for Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch

                              Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                              By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

                              References

                              Best studies we found

                              Ingenus Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2023). Nitro-Dur- nitroglycerin patch [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                              Was this page helpful?

                              Browse medications

                              View All

                              Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.