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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-.
CASRN: 55-63-0

Drug Levels and Effects
Summary of Use during Lactation
Topical use of nitroglycerin for anal fissures by nursing mothers appears to have no adverse effects on their breastfed infants. Topical use on the nipples has been used for alleviation of Raynaud phenomenon of the nipples, but only after cessation of breastfeeding.[1] Nitroglycerin should not be used topically on the nipples during breastfeeding. Sublingual and intravenous nitroglycerin have not been studied during breastfeeding. Observe infants for flushing and discomfort after breastfeeding.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Forty nursing mothers used nitroglycerin ointment (dosage not specified) topically for the treatment of postpartum anal fissures for durations ranging from 1 use to 12 months of intermittent use. All but 9 of the women reported side effects from therapy, primarily headache, but also dizziness or lightheadedness. None of the mothers reported any side effects in their breastfed infants.[2]
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
References
- 1.
- O'Sullivan S, Keith MP. Raynaud phenomenon of the nipple: a rare finding in rheumatology clinic. J Clin Rheumatol. 2011;17:371-2. [PubMed: 21946463]
- 2.
- Taylor T, Kennedy D. Safety of topical glyceryl trinitrate in the treatment of anal fissure in breastfeeding women. Birth Defects Research Part a-Clinical and Molecular Teratology. 2008;82:411. Abstract. DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20478. [CrossRef]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Nitroglycerin
CAS Registry Number
55-63-0
Drug Class
- Breast Feeding
- Cardiovascular Agents
- Vasodilator Agents
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
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- [Serum concentration of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) in transdermal application of GTN dressings of various origins].[Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 1985][Serum concentration of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) in transdermal application of GTN dressings of various origins].Heidemann R, Menke G, Letzel H, Rietbrock N. Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 1985 Oct 11; 110(41):1568-72.
- Comparative pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of nitroglycerin and its metabolites from Transderm-Nitro, Nitrodisc, and Nitro-Dur II systems using a stable-isotope technique.[J Clin Pharmacol. 1995]Comparative pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of nitroglycerin and its metabolites from Transderm-Nitro, Nitrodisc, and Nitro-Dur II systems using a stable-isotope technique.Sun JX, Piraino AJ, Morgan JM, Joshi JC, Cipriano A, Chan K, Redalieu E. J Clin Pharmacol. 1995 Apr; 35(4):390-7.
- Comparative clinical trial of the tolerability, patient acceptability and efficacy of two transdermal glyceryl trinitrate patches ('Deponit' 5 and 'Transiderm-Nitro' 5) in patients with angina pectoris.[Curr Med Res Opin. 1989]Comparative clinical trial of the tolerability, patient acceptability and efficacy of two transdermal glyceryl trinitrate patches ('Deponit' 5 and 'Transiderm-Nitro' 5) in patients with angina pectoris.Vallé-Jones C, O'Hara J, O'Hara H. Curr Med Res Opin. 1989; 11(5):331-9.
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