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nitroglycerin ER

Generic Nitro-Time
Used for Angina
Used for Angina

Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) is a nitrate medication. Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) capsules are taken by mouth, typically 3 or 4 times per day, to prevent angina (chest pain) in adults. Unlike some other nitroglycerin medications, such as nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) sublingual tablet, nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) isn't able to treat chest pain that has already started. Side effects include headache and low blood pressure. Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) is a brand-name medication and isn't available as a generic.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 6, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time)?

What is Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) used for?

  • Prevention of angina (chest pain due to tight blood vessels in the heart)

How Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) works

Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) is a nitrate. This medication causes the blood vessels in your heart to open up (dilate). This helps blood reach the heart better. More blood flow to the heart puts less stress on the heart and relieves heart-related chest pain.

Are you looking for information on Nitrostat (nitroglycerin) sublingual tablet instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsNitro-Time
Drug ClassNitrate
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time)?

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

Other Side Effects

  • Temporary lightheadedness from lower blood pressure
  • Fainting

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:

Less common

Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

difficult or labored breathing

feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheadedness

feeling of warmth or heat

flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck

headache

rapid weight gain

sweating

tightness in the chest

tingling of the hands or feet

unusual weight gain or loss

Rare

Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms

dark urine

fever

pale skin

rapid heart rate

sore throat

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Arm, back, or jaw pain

blurred vision

chest pain or discomfort

chest tightness or heaviness

confusion

cough

cracks in the skin

difficulty with swallowing

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

fainting

fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

feeling of warmth

hives, itching, or rash

increased sweating

loss of heat from the body

nausea or vomiting

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

red, swollen skin

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

scaly skin

sensation of spinning

weakness

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

Symptoms of overdose

Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms

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

dark urine

difficulty breathing

disturbed color perception

dizziness or lightheadedness

double vision

fever

flushed skin

halos around lights

headache, severe and throbbing

increased sweating

loss of appetite

loss of consciousness

night blindness

overbright appearance of lights

pale skin

paralysis

slow or irregular heartbeat

sore throat

tunnel vision

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

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:

Less common

Abdominal or stomach pain

body aches or pain

congestion

hoarseness

lack or loss of strength

runny nose

sneezing

stuffy nose

tender, swollen glands in the neck

voice changes

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 ER (Nitro-Time)

thumbs-up

Pros

Helps prevent chest pain, including pain due to exercise

Taken by mouth

Available in multiple strengths

thumbs-down

Cons

Must be taken 3 to 4 times a day

Available as a brand-name product only

Not for treating chest pain after it has started

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time)

pharmacist

  • Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) is meant to be taken every day to help prevent chest pain; it doesn't treat chest pain that has already started. Your cardiologist can talk with you about what medication you can take for treating chest pain.

    • Swallow nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) whole. Don't chew, cut, crush, or open the capsules, because this can make the medication release too quickly and cause more side effects. If you are having trouble swallowing the capsule whole, let your prescriber know right away because you'll likely need to be switched to a different medication.

      • Your cardiologist will likely tell you to avoid taking nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time)) for a 10 to 12 hour period every day (usually overnight) to avoid tolerance. Tolerance is when the medication doesn't work as well because you have been taking it for a long time without any breaks.

        • Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) can cause headaches as a side effect. As long as the headache is bearable, try not to change the timing of the doses. If the headaches are too bothersome for you, ask your prescriber if it's safe for tips and tricks to treat them, or if you can take a pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).

          • Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) can lower your blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. To prevent falls, get up slowly from a sitting position. Make sure to hold on to something stable for support as you're standing.

            • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time). Doing so can raise your risk of headaches and low blood pressure.

              • Make sure to tell your care team about all of the medications you take because nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) interacts with certain medications. Examples include Adempas (riociguat), sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio), tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca). When taken together, your blood pressure can become dangerously low.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time)

                Does nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) lower blood pressure?
                Yes. Nitrates, like nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time), can lower your blood pressure. This is because they relax your blood vessels to allow blood to flow through easier. But having lower blood pressure can lead to side effects like light-headedness and dizziness. Rarely, this can lead to fainting. To lower the risk of falls, get up slowly from a sitting position. To prevent your blood pressure from dropping too low, it's important to stay hydrated with enough fluids. Depending on your risk for low blood pressure, your prescriber might recommend regularly measuring your blood pressure at home. Seek medical help right away if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint because these might be signs your blood pressure is too low.
                Is nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) a vasodilator?
                Yes. Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) is a vasodilator, meaning it dilates (opens) the blood vessels.
                What does nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) do for the heart?
                Sometimes, people experience chest pain (angina) because there isn't enough blood flowing to the heart. Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) prevents chest pain by opening up the blood vessels so that the blood flows better. Keep in mind that nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) is taken to prevent chest pain. But this medication doesn't work quickly enough to relieve chest pain if you're already experiencing symptoms.
                When do you take nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time)?
                Ask your cardiologist about the specific times you should take nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time). It's typically taken three to four times per day. And because you'll need a nitrate-free period of about 10 to 12 hours to prevent tolerance, your prescriber will likely have you take nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) every 3 to 4 hours during a 12-hour period.
                How long does it take nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) to work?
                Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) can start to work to relieve chest pain about 1 hour after a dose. But some people might not notice its effects until 2-4 hours after a dose. Since nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) takes a while to kick in, it isn't recommended to treat chest pain that has already started.
                How long does nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) last after you take it?
                The effects of nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) last might last 5 to 12 hours after a dose. This can differ from person to person. Only take nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) as directed by your prescriber.
                Does nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) stop a heart attack?
                No, nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) itself doesn't stop a heart attack nor does it help to treat chest pain from a heart attack that has already started. It's only used to prevent chest pain from happening. Angina (chest pain) and heart attacks are both caused by not having enough blood reaching your heart. Having angina is your body’s way of telling you that your heart is at risk for damage. On the other hand, heart attacks happen when the lack of blood flow to the heart leads to actual damage to the heart itself. Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) opens up your blood vessels to improve blood flow to the heart to prevent chest pain, but it can’t fix an already damaged heart.
                Is nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) still available?
                Yes, nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) is still available as a brand-name product only.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time)?

                Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) 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

                Tolerance

                • Risk factors: Use of long-acting nitrates | Taking too many doses of nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time)

                  Your body can get used to nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) over time. When this happens, the same amount of medication might no longer work as well as it used to. This is called tolerance or tachyphylaxis. Tolerance to nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) is more likely to happen if you’ve taken longer-acting forms of nitrates (e.g., isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) or isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)). When you develop tolerance, taking a higher dose of medication won't help it work better. Because of this risk, make sure to take nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) at the prescribed dose and talk to your prescriber if you notice worsening chest pain. To prevent tolerance, your prescriber will ask you to schedule a nitrate-free period (about 10-12 hours when you're not taking nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time)).

                  risk-warning

                  Low blood pressure

                  • Risk factors: Taking nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) while standing | Certain heart problems | Dehydration | Use of erectile dysfunction medications | Use of blood pressure-lowering medications | Alcohol use

                    Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) can cause your blood pressure to drop too much, which can make you feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. When you use nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time), make sure to sit down for the first few minutes to avoid dizziness or fainting. Change positions slowly until your body is used to the medication. Get emergency help if you feel like you're going to pass out in addition to having an irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, weakness, changes in vision, sweating, cold and clammy skin, or worsening chest pain.

                    risk-warning

                    Worsening chest pain

                    • Risk factors: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

                      Although rare, taking nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) 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 prescriber to make sure that nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) is right for you. If you take nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) dose and it worsens your chest pain, get emergency help right away.

                      risk-warning

                      Headache

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

                        Some people experience daily headaches after starting nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time). 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 ER (Nitro-Time) a few times and your body gets used to the medication. If the headaches are bothersome, talk to your healthcare professional about other options.

                        dosage

                        Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) dosage forms

                        The average cost for 90 capsules of 2.5mg of Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) is $26.58 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 54.04% off the average retail price of $57.83.
                        capsule
                        Capsule
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        2.5mg90 capsules$26.58$0.30
                        6.5mg30 capsules$21.08$0.70
                        9mg30 capsules$1.69$0.06

                        Typical dosing for Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time)

                        • Adults: The typical starting dose ranges from 2.5 mg to 6.5 mg by mouth 3 to 4 times per day. Your prescriber will adjust your dose based on how well the medication is working for you and if you're having side effects.

                        interactions

                        Interactions between Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) and other drugs

                        Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) 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 ER (Nitro-Time). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                        More on Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) interactions

                        Health: Nitroglycerin: drug interaction nitroglycerin

                        6 Nitroglycerin Interactions and How to Manage Them

                        Written by Rachel Feaster, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS

                        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.

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                        How much does Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) cost?

                        To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                        Nitro-Time (brand)
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                        contraindications-icon

                        Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time) 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 ER (Nitro-Time) will not be safe for you to take.
                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time)?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Nitroglycerin ER (Nitro-Time)
                        Used for:

                        • Prevention of angina (chest pain due to tight blood vessels in the heart)

                        $1.69 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) patch
                        Used for:

                        • Prevention of angina (chest pain)

                        $26.94 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Isosorbide mononitrate
                        Used for:
                        $23.52 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                        References

                        Best studies we found

                        Kim, K. H., et al. (2023). Nitroglycerin. StatPearls.

                        Major Pharmaceuticals. (2020). Nitro-Time- nitroglycerin capsule [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.
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