Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-08-11
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Heart disease ranks as Hong Kong’s second leading cause of death, with coronary artery disease being the primary culprit—and it’s hitting younger people more often these days. Angina, a hallmark symptom, can strike suddenly, which is why many carry sublingual nitroglycerin as a lifesaver. Curious about the right way to use it and potential side effects? Bowtie’s medical info team breaks it all down in this essential guide.
What is Sublingual Nitroglycerin?
Sublingual nitroglycerin, commonly known as “lei tai yuen” in Hong Kong, is a medication for treating angina . Its active ingredient is glyceryl trinitrate, a short-acting nitrate. It’s most often available as sublingual tablets, hence the nickname. If swallowed like regular oral meds, it gets absorbed slowly through the digestive system, losing its quick pain-relief effect. Once absorbed rapidly under the tongue, it dilates blood vessels, boosting blood supply to the heart muscle and effectively easing or eliminating angina symptoms.
When Should You Take Sublingual Nitroglycerin?
Angina isn’t a disease itself but a symptom of underlying heart issues, often linked to coronary heart disease .
It occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood, causing chest pain or discomfort. Angina attacks typically last just a few minutes, triggered by physical activity or stress, and ease with rest. You might feel pressure or squeezing in the chest, which can spread to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. It can even mimic indigestion.
As soon as angina symptoms start , you should take sublingual nitroglycerin immediately —don’t wait until the pain intensifies.
Correct Steps to Take Sublingual Nitroglycerin
Before using sublingual nitroglycerin, understand the proper method and recommended dosage. Never take it without guidance from a doctor or healthcare professional to avoid negative effects on your body:
- When symptoms appear, use the nitroglycerin sublingual tablet right away.
- Sit down before placing the tablet under your tongue to minimize side effects like dizziness or headache.
- Place one tablet under your tongue and let it dissolve completely. If your mouth is dry, sip a little water to help it dissolve.
- Do not swallow or chew the tablet. If accidentally swallowed, take another one and let it dissolve under the tongue.
- If angina persists five minutes after the first tablet, take another one.
- If pain continues after another five minutes, take a third tablet. If it still doesn’t subside, call an ambulance immediately and seek medical help.
Side Effects and Precautions for Sublingual Nitroglycerin
Common side effects of sublingual tablets include low blood pressure, severe or persistent dizziness, headaches, severe or persistent pain, facial flushing or redness, and rapid heartbeat.
When taking them, pay attention to the following:
- Carry them with you for emergencies
- Sit down before taking to reduce side effects like headaches, facial flushing or redness, and dizziness
- If you’ve taken erectile dysfunction medications (such as Sildenafil, Tadalafil, etc.) within 24 hours, do not use sublingual tablets or sprays. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before use
- Before first use of the sublingual spray, press it into the air until a mist appears to ensure the medication sprays smoothly. Spray away from others, high heat, or open flames, and do not shake before use.
Proper Storage for Sublingual Tablets
We should store sublingual tablets properly to avoid affecting their efficacy. According to the Drug Office of the Department of Health, the correct storage methods are as follows:
- Store the tablets in their original glass bottle to prevent exposure to moisture, light, and heat
- Do not place cotton wool in the bottle after opening
- Avoid storing the tablets close to your body, as body heat can make them ineffective
- Discard any unused tablets 8 weeks after opening the bottle. Note the date of first opening as a reminder. Ensure you have enough medication for emergencies
- Keep the medication out of reach of children
Sublingual Tablets Price Guide
Nitroglycerin tablets and sublingual sprays are not prescription medications; they are pharmacy-only drugs and should be taken strictly according to a doctor’s instructions and recommendations. Additionally, nitroglycerin transdermal patches are also pharmacy-only, while injections are prescription drugs.
According to online information, a bottle of 100 sublingual tablets costs about $120.
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