What is a common side effect of nitroglycerin sublingual tablets?

Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are commonly used to relieve angina (chest pain) by dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow. A well-known side effect of nitroglycerin is postural hypotension, which refers to a drop in blood pressure that occurs when a person stands up from a sitting or lying position. This side effect can result from the vasodilating effects of the medication, which decreases vascular resistance and can subsequently lower blood pressure, especially in situations where the body needs to quickly adjust to changes in posture.

People taking nitroglycerin may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when they stand too quickly due to this drop in blood pressure. It’s important for patients to be advised about this potential side effect to avoid injuries caused by falls or other complications.

While the other options could also relate to cardiovascular symptoms, they do not directly align with the primary and most commonly noted side effect of nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Therefore, the recognition of postural hypotension as a side effect is crucial for proper patient education and management in those prescribed this medication.