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What is Nitropaste?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Nitropaste is a nitrate medication that can be used to treat several different medical conditions related to the circulatory system. It is a preparation of nitroglycerin designed for topical use. Some companies package it in the form of a paste that is squeezed onto applicators, while others make it available in the form of sprays and patches that are applied to the area of concern. A prescription is necessary to receive this medication.

This drug acts to dilate the blood vessels, which can improve the supply of blood to an area of ischemic tissue, meaning tissue that is not getting enough oxygen. In addition to acting as a vasodilator, it also relaxes the muscles. This drug has historically been used to treat angina, a form of chest pain, and nitroglycerin is also used in the treatment of myocardial infarction. Nitropaste can also be used to manage blood pressure, as it dilates the vessels.

Nitropaste is for topical use.
Nitropaste is for topical use.

People with circulatory conditions are sometimes prescribed nitropaste. Raynaud's Syndrome, characterized by poor circulation to the extremities, may be treated in part with it as well, especially in cold weather. It can also be prescribed for people with circulation problems in the legs or other areas, and it's one of several treatment options designed to address such issues. In addition, this drug is used in the treatment of anal fissures and hemorrhoids.

Nitropaste is used to treat angina and other circulatory conditions.
Nitropaste is used to treat angina and other circulatory conditions.

Also known as nitro-bid or nitroglycerin paste, this medication must be used with care. It can interact with several other medications, especially drugs that also lower blood pressure. The drug is also not recommended for use in pregnant women because it may pose a danger to the developing fetus, and it can be harmful for people with certain medical conditions.

Nitropaste may be used to treat hemorrhoids.
Nitropaste may be used to treat hemorrhoids.

When applying nitropaste, it is important for patients to make sure that it is placed on a hairless area of the body. In addition, contact with other areas of the body, such as the hands, must be avoided. It can be helpful to wear gloves while applying it so that it cannot be accidentally absorbed through the skin of the hands. The treated area should be covered to allow the drug to absorb and to avoid smearing it or transferring it to other areas.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

jserneels

Nitro makes me cry. Seriously. I cry like I am at a funeral when I take it orally or have the paste applied. I don't even feel sad in the slightest when this happens. I am not able to control it and it has nothing to do with my emotions. Can anyone explain why this happens? I looked online and cannot find any explanation anywhere. I can't be the only one this happens to!

anon254637

There's no proprietary drug called "Nitropaste." This is slang for nitroglycerin paste.

seekinfo2

My mom has Raynaud's syndrome (it's really creepy, her fingers turn almost black if she touches anything cold!) and she was treated with nitropaste. One thing I found really weird about it was the way that they measure out the treatments -- it's actually done in inches.

Nitropaste 1 inch is the most common dose of nitroglycerin given. The paste is squeezed out on a piece of paper printed with inch marks. It is then applied to the skin of a patient.

That really surprised me, because you almost never think of medications being measured in inches -- it's always mg or something like that.

honeysuckle

I had to go to the ER with extremely high blood pressure a year ago. Nitropaste was applied to my skin on my chest and my blood pressure dropped. As with all drugs, nitropaste has side effects and I experienced some of them. Some nitropaste side effects include dizziness, excessive drop in blood pressure, and headache.

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    • Nitropaste is for topical use.
      By: Blaz Kure
      Nitropaste is for topical use.
    • Nitropaste is used to treat angina and other circulatory conditions.
      By: Irena Misevic
      Nitropaste is used to treat angina and other circulatory conditions.
    • Nitropaste may be used to treat hemorrhoids.
      By: Andrea Danti
      Nitropaste may be used to treat hemorrhoids.
    • Nitropaste can interact with drugs that lower blood pressure.
      By: Rido
      Nitropaste can interact with drugs that lower blood pressure.
    • Pregnant women should not use nitropaste.
      By: adam121
      Pregnant women should not use nitropaste.