These Drugs cause

Nitrates vasodilation by
donating nitric
oxide (NO)

Drugs in this Class



Amyl Nitrate

NitroGlycerin*

Erythritol Tetranitrate

Isosorbide Dinitrate*
Classification
There are 2 types of Nitrates

Short acting Nitrates - Nitroglycerin, amyl nitrate

Long acting Nitrates - Isosorbide dinitrate, erythritol Tetranitrate, Isosorbide mononitrate

Pharmacology
All nitrates share the same action, they just differ in their time of action. Nitrates are prodrugs of nitric oxide. Nitric
oxide works on Guanylyl cyclase which converts GTP to cGMP. The cGMP activates the Protein kinase G. This acts
on the myosin light chain and renders it inactive, hence causes Relaxation. This relaxation

On arterioles, reduces the Afterload therefore reducing the oxygen demand and consumption of the
myocardium
On veins, reduces the Preload therefore reducing the oxygen demand and consumption of the myocardium
On Coronary artery, increases the oxygen supply and increasing the efficiency of the myocardium

Adverse Effects
These drugs cause Tachyphylaxis, Flushing, Hypotension, and headache.