Which is a common side effect of nitroglycerin?

Which is a common side effect of nitroglycerin?

• A. Throbbing headache
• B. Severe diarrhea
• C. Weight gain
• D. Insomnia

Answer: (A)

Nitroglycerin works by releasing nitric oxide, which relaxes vascular smooth muscle and causes vasodilation. This dilation is greater in veins, lowering preload and myocardial oxygen demand. The headachy feeling people often get is due to the same vasodilation affecting cerebral vessels, increasing blood flow in the brain and producing a throbbing headache. That makes headaches the most common and expected side effect when nitroglycerin is used. The other options aren’t typical adverse effects of nitrates. Severe diarrhea, weight gain, or insomnia aren’t commonly linked to nitroglycerin therapy, whereas headaches are well known and frequently reported in patients taking this medication. In practice, if the patient develops a significant drop in blood pressure or other concerning symptoms, follow protocol and seek medical direction.

Nitroglycerin works by releasing nitric oxide, which relaxes vascular smooth muscle and causes vasodilation. This dilation is greater in veins, lowering preload and myocardial oxygen demand. The headachy feeling people often get is due to the same vasodilation affecting cerebral vessels, increasing blood flow in the brain and producing a throbbing headache. That makes headaches the most common and expected side effect when nitroglycerin is used.

The other options aren’t typical adverse effects of nitrates. Severe diarrhea, weight gain, or insomnia aren’t commonly linked to nitroglycerin therapy, whereas headaches are well known and frequently reported in patients taking this medication. In practice, if the patient develops a significant drop in blood pressure or other concerning symptoms, follow protocol and seek medical direction.