Nitrate tolerance

Continuous therapy with nitrates rapidly produces tolerance along with loss or diminution of circulatory, antianginal, and anti-ischemic effects. Development of tolerance can be avoided by various approaches. In patients with stable angina, intermittent use of nitrates with long nitrate-free intervals, use of transdermal nitroglycerin during the day or oral isosorbide dinitrate or isosorbide-5-mononitrate twice daily in the morning and early afternoon, and intermittent use of nitrates in combination with another class of antianginal agent are appropriate. In patients with unstable angina, continuous therapy with intravenous nitroglycerin is recommended during the acute phase of angina. Despite development of partial tolerance, oral isosorbide dinitrate, 30 to 60 mg four times a day, plus hydralazine may be useful for patients with congestive heart failure who cannot tolerate angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Concomitant use of sulfhydryl donors or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, agents that might theoretically prevent nitrate tolerance, is not recommended. Data on these agents are conflicting, and added costs and adverse effects are likely to preclude their use in the future.