Topical nitroglycerin

nitroglycerin ointment or gel · say “nye-tro-GLIS-er-in”

For local blood flow (applied to skin)

Applied to the skin, not swallowed.

A small, measured amount is put on the skin near a finger with poor blood flow or an ulcer, to open the local blood vessels. Headache is common at first.

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What it is

Targeting one finger directly.

Nitroglycerin widens blood vessels. As an ointment or gel, a small amount is applied to the skin near a finger that has poor blood flow or a sore, to improve circulation right there. It is used based on specialist experience.

How to take it

Apply the exact small amount you are shown, to the area your doctor tells you.
Wear a glove to apply it, and wash your hands well afterward so it does not spread.
Do not put it on broken, open skin unless your team tells you to.
Change the spot you use to avoid skin irritation.

What to expect

Better blood flow to that finger.
A headache is common at first and usually eases.
It is used short-term or as needed, not usually long-term.

Benefits

How it helps you.

Targets one finger

Works right where the problem is.

Helps a painful fingertip

Can ease pain from poor blood flow.

Adds to other treatment

Works alongside tablets that treat the whole body.

Risks & side effects

What you should know.

Your doctor chose this because the likely benefits outweigh the risks for you. Here is the honest, full picture.

Common side effects

Headache

Common, from the medicine widening blood vessels.

Lightheadedness

Feeling faint if too much is used.

Skin redness

Where it is applied.

Serious but uncommon

Low blood pressure

Using too much can drop your blood pressure and cause fainting.

Do not combine with PDE5 inhibitors

Combining it with sildenafil or tadalafil is dangerous.

Never combine with PDE5 inhibitors.

Do not use nitroglycerin together with sildenafil or tadalafil. Together they can drop your blood pressure to a dangerous level.

Staying safe

Monitoring and precautions.

Regular monitoring

How your headache and blood pressure respond, especially early.
How the finger or ulcer is doing.

Everyday precautions

Use the exact amount you are shown, and no more.
Wash your hands after applying it.
Keep warm, and tell providers you use it.

When to call your doctor

Contact the clinic if you notice:

Severe headache or faintness

That does not settle, or is severe.

A worsening finger ulcer

A sore that looks red, swollen, or infected.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning, and your team will decide whether it is right for you.

This guide is for learning, not medical advice. Myositis care is different for everyone, and many of these medicines are used based on specialist experience rather than a formal Canadian myositis approval. Never start, stop, or change a medicine without your own doctor. Your doses are decided with your care team at the Centre.

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