Nitroglycerin Hemorrhoid Ointment Review

*Note: ProgressiveHealth.com does not carry Nitroglycerin Ointment. The following review is simply for informational purposes: 

Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins that cause pain and itching in and around the anal opening. This condition may also cause bleeding while passing bowels. 

Nitroglycerin ointment is known to be really effective in healing hemorrhoids. When applied to painful fissures, it provides relief from the pain, burning and irritation. 

It also relaxes the muscle lining around the anus to facilitate easy bowel movements. 

How Does It Work? 

Nitroglycerin hemorrhoid ointment contains nitrate. It works by relaxing the contraction that occurs in the sphincter muscle.

This helps in restoring blood flow to the lining of the anal canal to alleviate pain. 

When topically applied to the hemorrhoids, nitroglycerin hemorrhoidal ointment reduces pain, making life easier for the hemorrhoids sufferers. 

Why Nitroglycerin Is Effective

Nitroglycerin is commonly used to treat chest pain or angina. For this use, it is formulated as pills or as skin patches.

Because it is easily absorbed through the skin, nitroglycerin can be used as a potent pain reliever for hemorrhoids too.

Nitroglycerin is a prodrug. This means that it is converted to the active agent in the body after absorption.

Nitroglycerin releases nitric oxide, NO, which is responsible for the actual pain relief. Because nitric oxide dilates the blood vessels, nitroglycerin belongs to a class of drugs called Nitrovasodilators.

Nitroglycerin or glyceryl trinitrate can also be formulated in ointments for treating hemorrhoids.

It produces a chain reaction that leads to dilation of the blood vessels of the sphincter muscles to restore blood flow to vessels supplying the lining of the anal canal. In this way, nitroglycerin ointment relieves pain associated with hemorrhoids.

Because nitroglycerin is easily absorbed, only a small amount of the ointment should be applied at any time. Even in small amounts, it provides a fast pain relief.

Furthermore, since it can produce the same vasodilatory effect far away from the point of application, there is a risk of hypotension from using nitroglycerin ointment.

Early signs of low blood pressure include dizziness and headaches. 

Directions To Use: 

Use Nitroglycerin ointment as prescribed by your doctor. 

You must carefully read label on the medicine for instructions and other information. 

Nitroglycerin Ointment is only meant for external use.

You must wash the anal area with mild soap and warm water before applying the medicine. 

Now apply the hemorrhoids ointment to the affected area using the applicator.

You must not use more ointment than prescribed. 

Use the applicator to easily spread the cream across the affected area in a thin, uniform layer.

The medication lasts for about six hours after application.

You must have a gap of at least 10 to 12 hours between each application.

This is important to ensure that the medication keeps working effectively.

What Are The ingredients?

Each Nitroglycerin ointment contains nitroglycerin, which belongs to the family of nitrates.

The non-medicinal ingredients are lanolin, lactose, petrolatum, and purified water (all USP standard).

What Are The Side Effects?

Use of Nitroglycerin ointment for longer periods may cause severe headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision.

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Inform your doctor that you take nitroglycerin ointment before any emergency care or surgery.

Is It Safe For Me?

Do not use Nitroglycerin ointment if you are allergic to any ingredients found in the product.

People having severe anemia or increased blood pressure should also not use this medication.

Avoid using nitroglycerin hemorrhoidal ointment if you are taking a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (tadalafil, sildenafil, vardenafil).

If any of these apply to you, contact your health care provider or doctor right away.

Nitroglycerin ointment is not recommended for children.

Pregnant women and breast feeding mothers should consult a doctor before using this medication.

Are There Any Drug Interactions?

There are some medicines that interact with Nitroglycerin ointment. Remember to inform your health care provider if you take any of the following:

Beta-blockers, diuretics, medicines for high blood pressure, calcium channel blockers, phenothiazines, and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.

You must not take this medication with salicylates (aspirin) because they may increase Nitroglycerin's side effects.

Remember to consult with your doctor before you start, stop, or alter the dose of any medicine. 

Where Can I Buy It?

You can buy Nitroglycerin Ointment at drugstore.com

For more information on hemorrhoid ointments, consider reading our review of Musk Ointment and Lidocaine Ointment.