What is Nitrolingual® Pumpspray?

Nitrolingual® Pumpspray is a type of medicinal spray used for treating certain heart conditions. It is manufactured as a spray bottle with a solution containing nitroglycerin. Nitrolingual® Pumpspray is also referred to as nitroglycerin lingual spray.

The medication comes in two sizes: a pocket-sized 60-metered spray bottle and a much larger 200-metered spray bottle. Each spray from the bottle contains 40 micrograms (mcg) of nitroglycerin. This substance is produced by mixing a nitro compound with another compound called glycerol, and it has been used for years to treat heart problems. Nitrolingual® Pumpspray has a 24-month shelf life from the date of manufacture.

Nitrolingual® Pumpspray is most commonly used to treat angina pectoris, which occurs in people with coronary heart disease. Angina is described as a type of severe chest pain brought about by a lack of blood, thus a deprivation of oxygen supply, in the heart muscle. Angina is generally interpreted as a heart attack. Nitroglycerin lingual spray serves as a heart attack prevention measure.

To use the medicinal spray, patients remove the plastic cover of the bottle and hold it upright, with the forefinger on top of the button. Then the bottle is brought as close as possible to the open mouth and the button is pressed to release a spray. The solution can be administered on or under the tongue. Using the product for the first time or after a long period of time requires "priming" by spraying it a few times into the air.

The bottle of Nitrolingual® Pumpspray should never be shaken when used, and the spray should not be inhaled. After application, the solution should not be removed by spitting or rinsing for five to 10 minutes. Nitrolingual® Pumpspray is best used when sitting down, and the patient is permitted one or two sprays per treatment. The spray is typically used during an angina attack, or a few minutes before engaging in any activity that may trigger such an occurrence.

Doctors usually direct the proper use of Nitrolingual® Pumpspray. Patients who use the medication should inform their physicians if they have low systolic blood pressure, are hypersensitive to nitroglycerin, or are participating in diuretic therapy. Also, it is not to be combined with phosphodiesterase inhibitors, which are used for treating erectile dysfunction. Side effects of the spray include dizziness and headaches. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) places Nitrolingual® Pumpspray in the middling Pregnancy Category C of its classification system for fetal risks regarding pharmaceuticals.