What is a common adverse effect of nitroglycerin administration?

What is a common adverse effect of nitroglycerin administration?

• A. Nausea.
• B. Drowsiness.
• C. Dry mouth.
• D. Headache and dizziness due to vasodilation; potential hypotension.

Answer: (D)

Nitroglycerin works by releasing nitric oxide, which relaxes smooth muscle and causes vessel dilation. This vasodilation, especially of the cerebral vessels, often produces a headache, while the overall drop in blood pressure and increased venous pooling can cause dizziness and may lead to hypotension. These effects are the most characteristic and commonly observed adverse reactions to nitroglycerin, which is why the description of headache and dizziness due to vasodilation with a risk of hypotension is the best match. Nausea, drowsiness, and dry mouth can occur with various meds or in some individuals, but they are not the hallmark adverse effects of nitroglycerin like headache and lightheadedness from its vasodilatory action.

Nitroglycerin works by releasing nitric oxide, which relaxes smooth muscle and causes vessel dilation. This vasodilation, especially of the cerebral vessels, often produces a headache, while the overall drop in blood pressure and increased venous pooling can cause dizziness and may lead to hypotension. These effects are the most characteristic and commonly observed adverse reactions to nitroglycerin, which is why the description of headache and dizziness due to vasodilation with a risk of hypotension is the best match.

Nausea, drowsiness, and dry mouth can occur with various meds or in some individuals, but they are not the hallmark adverse effects of nitroglycerin like headache and lightheadedness from its vasodilatory action.