Which species have cited Nitroglycerin dosing data?

Nitroglycerin dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 1 species: Dog (Domestic).

Is Nitroglycerin a controlled substance?

Nitroglycerin is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

Nitroglycerin

US brand names:Nitro-Bid, Nitrostat, Nitrol, Glyceryl Trinitrate

Calculate dosage

Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Cardiovascular

Routes

TopicalIV

Indications

Acute CHF (preload reduction)Acute congestive heart failure (preload reduction)

Mechanism of Action

Releases nitric oxide causing smooth muscle relaxation. Predominantly venodilator reducing preload. Also dilates coronary arteries.

Apply to hairless skin with gloves. Tolerance develops rapidly with continuous use — use 10-12 hour nitrate-free intervals. Monitor blood pressure.

Species with Nitroglycerin dosing data (2 dose rules)

Dog (Domestic)

Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Moderate×2

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by a published source

· Keene BW, Atkins CE, Bonagura JD, et al. ACVIM consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2019;33:1127-1140. doi:10.1111/jvim.15488 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.966 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.938, Nitroglycerin, Transdermal monograph; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 1 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	Topical	See the cited source for the printed regimen	0.5-2 inch (1.3-5 cm) strip q12h on hairless skin	Moderate	Keene BW, Atkins CE, Bonagura JD, et al. ACVIM consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2019;33:1127-1140. doi:10.1111/jvim.15488 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.966 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.938, Nitroglycerin, Transdermal monograph; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207
Dog (Domestic)	Topical	See the cited source for the printed regimen	q12h

Upgrade for Full Details

Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.

View Plans