What is the maximum number of nitroglycerin tablets that can be taken in a 15-minute period for an anginal attack?

For the treatment of an anginal attack, nitroglycerin is a rapid-acting nitrate that helps alleviate chest pain by dilating blood vessels, which improves blood flow to the heart muscle. The recommended approach for managing an acute episode of angina is to take one nitroglycerin tablet sublingually at the onset of symptoms. If symptoms persist after five minutes, an additional tablet may be taken, and if there is still no relief after another five minutes, a third tablet can be administered.

This practice allows for a maximum of three tablets to be taken within a 15-minute period. It's essential to monitor the patient's response closely, as nitroglycerin can cause side effects such as hypotension and headaches. Therefore, ensuring that the patient understands the correct timing and dosing is vital for effective angina management and preventing any potential adverse effects associated with overdose.

While one, two, or even four tablets may be proposed in different contexts, the established guideline emphasizes that no more than three tablets should be used within this time frame for safety and efficacy reasons.