Nitroglycerin

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jan 13, 2023

Common Questions


Common Questions about Nitroglycerin


Can nitroglycerin stop a heart attack?

Nitroglycerin cannot stop a heart attack. If you think you may be having a heart attack, call 911 and seek emergency care without delay. If your chest pain does not go away after 3 doses of nitroglycerin in 15 minutes, seek emergency medical care.



How quickly does nitroglycerin work?

Nitroglycerin works quickly, usually within 1-5 minutes. The effects of this medication last for around 5 hours, so you may need to take it 3-4 times a day.



Do you give aspirin or nitroglycerin first?

If you think someone is having a heart attack, give them aspirin first (provided they are not allergic to aspirin). Aspirin can help a person survive a heart attack. Nitroglycerin relieves chest pain symptoms, but does not improve the chances of survival. You can give nitroglycerin a few minutes after aspirin.



Can I take nitroglycerin instead of Viagra?

You should not take nitroglycerin instead of Viagra if you have erectile dysfunction or ED (problems getting or keeping an erection during sexual activity). While nitroglycerin does increase blood flow in many parts of the body, enough of the medicine does not reach the penis to have a beneficial effect in people with ED. In addition, combining nitroglycerin with drugs used to treat ED (Viagra, Cialis, others) can lead to dangerously low blood pressure.



How often can I take nitroglycerin?

There are no clear guidelines on how often you can take nitroglycerin. However, if your symptoms of chest pain do not go away after 3 doses of nitroglycerin, you should seek emergency medical care. Keep in mind also that you can develop tolerance to this medicine. Meaning, it may not work as well if you take it for a long time. Follow your doctor’s directions on how often to take nitroglycerin.



What is the price of nitroglycerin without insurance?

Without insurance, nitroglycerin can be as high as $40.77, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $9.33 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not.



What is the price of nitroglycerin with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on nitroglycerin—copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for nitroglycerin. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.