ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/nitroglycerin
US brand names:Nitro-Bid, Nitrostat, Nitrol, Glyceryl Trinitrate
Nitroglycerin is dosed at 3 mm strip of 2% ointment (to inner pinna) topical q6-12h in guinea pigs, per Jepson L. Exotic Animal Medicine: A Quick Reference Guide, WB Saunders, New York, NY; 2009. / Meredith A. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary: Part B: Exotic Pets, British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Quedgeley, Gloucester, UK; 2015. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.794. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
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 references:All Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Guinea Pig drugs
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A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 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 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.938, Nitroglycerin, Transdermal monograph. |
| Dog (Domestic) | Topical | See the cited source for the printed regimen | q12h | 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 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.938, Nitroglycerin, Transdermal monograph. |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.