Minitran

What is it?

An antianginal, nitrate preparation available as skin patches in 3 strengths delivering 5mg, 10mg or 15mg of glyceryl trinitrate in 24 hours.

Medical Uses

Prevention of angina.

Dosage

Patches should be adhered to arms or chest and a new site used each time. Adults, start with 5mg patch and then increase strength, if necessary. Treatment may be continuous or discontinued through night for 8 to 12 hours to counteract attenuation effects.

Special Care

Acute heart failure, recent heart attack, ventilation-perfusion imbalance, hypoxaemia (insufficient oxygen in arterial blood). During period when patch is not in place, other antianginal drugs may be needed. If patches are to be withdrawn, this should be carried out by replacing with gradually decreasing doses of nitrates taken by mouth.

Avoid Use

Children, heart insufficiency due to obstruction of blood supply, low blood pressure, raised pressure within skull or eyes, severe anaemia.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

NSAIDs, other vasodilators, dihydroergotamine, sildenafil.

Known Side Effects

Hot flushes, low blood pressure on rising upright, headache, dizziness, nausea, raised heartbeat rate, rash.

Manufacturer

3m Health Care.