Drug interactions
Heparin + Nitroglycerin
Severity: Minor
Heparin and Nitroglycerin: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Intravenous nitroglycerin was reported to reduce the anticoagulant effect of heparin, with lower aPTT values. The finding is inconsistent and its clinical importance is uncertain.
What this interaction means in plain words
Heparin and Nitroglycerin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Heparin belongs to Cardiovascular; Nitroglycerin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Not clearly established; possible altered heparin binding or distribution.
What to do
Monitor aPTT or anti-Xa levels as per usual heparin protocols and adjust the heparin dose to target; after nitroglycerin is stopped, recheck since heparin effect may rise.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Nitroglycerin
- Avanafil + Nitroglycerin Contraindicated
- Nitroglycerin + Riociguat Contraindicated
- Nitroglycerin + Sildenafil Contraindicated
- Nitroglycerin + Tadalafil Contraindicated
- Nitroglycerin + Vardenafil Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Nitroglycerin Major
Other interactions of Heparin
- Defibrotide + Heparin Contraindicated
- Heparin + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Heparin + Oritavancin Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Heparin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Heparin Major
- Alteplase + Heparin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Heparin with Nitroglycerin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Heparin and Nitroglycerin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Intravenous nitroglycerin was reported to reduce the anticoagulant effect of heparin, with lower aPTT values. The finding is inconsistent and its clinical importance is uncertain.
How serious is the interaction between Heparin and Nitroglycerin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor aPTT or anti-Xa levels as per usual heparin protocols and adjust the heparin dose to target; after nitroglycerin is stopped, recheck since heparin effect may rise.
What other medicines interact with Nitroglycerin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nitroglycerin with, for example, Avanafil, Riociguat, Sildenafil. The full list is on the Nitroglycerin page.
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