What does nitroglycerin do?

Nitroglycerin is a drug that comes in spray and tablet form to treat episodes of chest pain. The drug is prescribed to patients whose chest pain is a result of coronary artery disease.

Nitroglycerin is part of a class of drugs known as vasodilators. These medications dilate blood vessels throughout the body. People who suffer from chest pain due to coronary artery disease may take nitroglycerin during chest pain episodes to dilate their coronary arteries and relieve their pain. The medication may be prescribed to patients for daily use or may be prescribed to be taken only during times of chest pain.