Minitran ratings & reviews

Minitran contains the active ingredient nitroglycerin in the form of a trinitrate. It belongs to the class of organic nitrates that act as vasodilators. Minitran is formulated as a transdermal system designed for continuous controlled release of nitroglycerin through the skin, with different patch sizes delivering varying amounts of nitroglycerin per hour. Key inactive ingredients include a multilayer plastic film, silicone coated polystyrene film, and an acrylic adhesive with a cross-linking agent.

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for external use only. Use it as directed on the prescription label. One patch contains a full day's supply of medication. It is usually worn for 12 to 14 hours a day and removed for 10 to 12 hours. Apply the patch to an area on the upper body that is clean, dry, and hairless. Avoid injured, irritated, calloused, or scarred areas. Use a different site each day to prevent skin irritation. Do not cut or trim the patch. Do not use your medication more often than directed. Do not stop using this medication suddenly or your symptoms may get worse. Ask your care team how to gradually reduce the dose.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, apply the patch as soon as you can. Do not wear two patches at the same time unless told to by your care team.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Avoid extremes in temperature and humidity. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Headache, unusual weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, blue skin or lips, which may be signs of methemoglobinemia
• Increased pressure around the brain—severe headache, blurry vision, change in vision, nausea, vomiting
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Worsening chest pain (angina)—pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, neck, back, or arms

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Flushing
• Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Liver disease
• Low blood pressure, or low blood volume
• Previous heart attack or heart failure
• An unusual or allergic reaction to nitroglycerin, adhesives, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Certain migraine medications, such as ergotamine and dihydroergotamine (DHE)
• Medications used to treat erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil
• Riociguat

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Medications for blood pressure
• Other medications used to treat angina

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your heart rate and blood pressure as directed. Know what your heart rate and blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team. Tell your care team if you feel your medication is no longer having any effect.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

If you are going to have an MRI procedure, let your MRI technician know about the use of these patches. Some medication patches contain an aluminum backing that can become heated when exposed to MRI and may cause burns. You may need to temporarily remove the patch during the MRI procedure.

If the patch pulls loose or falls off, fold it in half (sticky side in) and throw away out of the reach of children or pets. Replace with a fresh patch.