Find patient medical information for Nitroglycerin on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Nitroglycerin is a type of nitrate. How does it work? Nitrates are vasodilators, which means they help widen (dilate) your blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through and let more oxygen-rich blood reach your heart. Better blood flow means your heart doesn't have to work as hard. Nitroglycerin is used to prevent angina (chest pain) caused by coronary artery disease. This medicine is also used to relieve an angina attack that is already occurring. Nitroglycerin belongs to the group of medicines called nitrates. What is nitroglycerin, and how does it work? Nitroglycerin is a medication that treats angina and anal fissures. It works by promoting blood flow. The body breaks nitroglycerin down into nitric. Nitroglycerin, as well as the onset and duration of action of each form, is different. The sublingual or tablet spray of nitroglycerin has a two-minute onset and a twenty-five-minute duration of action. Nitroglycerin - cas 55-63-0, synthesis, structure, density, melting point, boiling point What is nitroglycerin? Nitroglycerin is used in adults to treat or prevent attacks of chest pain (angina). Nitroglycerin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Nitroglycerin is used for the treatment of angina, acute myocardial infarction, severe hypertension, and acute coronary artery spasms. [1][14] It may be administered intravenously, as a sublingual spray/tablet, or as a patch applied to the skin. Nitroglycerin prevents and treats chest pain by relaxing your blood vessels. You should take this medication at the first sign of chest pain or tightness. Nitroglycerin is a nitrate used to treat angina symptoms (heart pain) caused by coronary artery disease. Nitroglycerin also is used intravenously to treat congestive heart failure associated with heart attack and high blood pressure during surgery.