Drug interactions
Nitroglycerin + Tetracaine
Severity: Moderate
Nitroglycerin and Tetracaine: moderate 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
Both nitroglycerin and tetracaine can cause methemoglobinemia, so concurrent exposure may increase the risk. This is most relevant with high doses of nitroglycerin or extensive tetracaine application.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nitroglycerin and Tetracaine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Nitroglycerin belongs to Cardiovascular; Tetracaine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive oxidation of hemoglobin iron to methemoglobin by nitrate metabolites and the local anesthetic.
What to do
Monitor for cyanosis and reduced oxygen saturation, and check methemoglobin levels if suspected. Treat symptomatic cases with methylene blue.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Tetracaine
- Chloroquine + Tetracaine Moderate
- Dapsone + Tetracaine Moderate
- Isosorbide dinitrate + Tetracaine Moderate
- Isosorbide mononitrate + Tetracaine Moderate
- Nitrofurantoin + Tetracaine Moderate
- Paracetamol + Tetracaine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nitroglycerin with Tetracaine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nitroglycerin and Tetracaine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Both nitroglycerin and tetracaine can cause methemoglobinemia, so concurrent exposure may increase the risk. This is most relevant with high doses of nitroglycerin or extensive tetracaine application.
How serious is the interaction between Nitroglycerin and Tetracaine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for cyanosis and reduced oxygen saturation, and check methemoglobin levels if suspected. Treat symptomatic cases with methylene blue.
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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