Nitroglycerin ointment produced a significant increase in exercise capacity that persisted for at least three hours compared to placebo in patients with angina pectoris.
RCT (n=14)
Does nitroglycerin ointment improve exercise capacity in patients with angina pectoris?
Nitroglycerin ointment provides a sustained increase in exercise capacity and reduces electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial ischemia for at least three hours in patients with angina pectoris.
Cutaneous absorption of nitroglycerin is a well-documented phenomenon which may have unique advantages for the sustained prophylaxis of angina pectoris. Therefore, we have examined the effects of nitroglycerin ointment and placebo on exercise capacity in 14 patients with angina pectoris. Nitroglycerin ointment produced a significant increase in exercise capacity which persisted for at least three hours. Concomitant sustained changes in systolic blood pressure and resting heart rate were observed. Electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial ischemia was significantly reduced. Chronic administration in six patients did not reduce the effects of either nitroglycerin ointment or sublingual nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin ointment appears to be a truly long-acting nitrate. While evidence of nitrate toxicity or tolerance was not observed in the present study, additional information is required before the widespread use of this agent can be recommended.
Reichek et al. (Thu,) conducted a rct in Angina pectoris (n=14). Nitroglycerin ointment vs. Placebo was evaluated on Exercise capacity. Nitroglycerin ointment produced a significant increase in exercise capacity that persisted for at least three hours compared to placebo in patients with angina pectoris.