Nitroglycerine Tablets

[dddave]

My nitroglycerine tablets, provided to me 9 years ago after by-pass surgery in the USA are probably well past their usefulness.  Can they be purchased OTC in Thailand or do I need a hospital pharmacy with a Doctors prescription? 

I've been experiencing a few slight symptoms of angina recently so I plan a cardiac check up very soon but would like to have fresh nitro, just in case it's needed.

[Sheryl]

I am not aware of any brand of nitroglycerine tablets per se but there are related nitrate preparations used  for this purpose e.g. isosorbide dinitrate  (many brands)

 

No prescription needed but you really should see a cardiologist as soon as possible

[dddave]

24 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

I am not aware of any brand of nitroglycerine tablets per se but there are related nitrate preparations used  for this purpose e.g. isosorbide dinitrate  (many brands)

 

No prescription needed but you really should see a cardiologist as soon as possible

Thanks, Sheryl.  Cardio check-up Friday at BCH, appointment a bit delayed because of the Monday holiday.

[connda]

Pretty much available at any pharmacy.

[dddave]

18 hours ago, connda said:

Pretty much available at any pharmacy.

Really helpful.  Thank you.

[impulse]

On 5/18/2025 at 3:49 PM, connda said:

Pretty much available at any pharmacy.

 

They're used for similar reasons, but they're not the same thing.  

 

Google "isosorbide dinitrate vs nitroglycerine".

 

Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) and nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) are both nitrate vasodilators used to treat chest pain (angina), but they have some key differences. Isosorbide dinitrate is available in both short-acting tablets and long-acting capsules, and it works slowly to prevent chest pain. In contrast, nitroglycerin is a fast-acting medication that you place under your tongue or against your cheek, and it starts working within 1 to 3 minutes to relieve chest pain. Isosorbide dinitrate needs to be taken on a strict schedule to avoid tolerance, while nitroglycerin is used as needed at the first sign of chest pain or before activities that might cause it. 

 

I keep a keychain pill fob full of nitroglycerine tablets on my key ring, taped up so I don't confuse them with other meds that I keep with me.  Pulled that tape off for the first time in over 10 years earlier this month, then went to the ER to get checked out.  Tests and scans came back clean so I went back home.  But I was glad to have the nitro, being a CABG patient 10 years ago.  It was fast and a little scary.