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Nitroglycerin (Transdermal)

Prescription
Organic Nitrate Vasodilator
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Metabolized to nitric oxide (NO) which activates guanylyl cyclase in vascular smooth muscle, increasing cGMP and causing venodilation (primarily) and arteriolar dilation. Reduces preload (venous return) more than afterload.

At a glance

Class
Organic Nitrate Vasodilator
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature; close tube tightly; do not use with gloves that are NOT nitrile (some glove materials absorb nitroglycerin)

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for acute congestive heart failure (reduces preload), pulmonary edema, and
Dose
—
Route
Transdermal
Frequency
q8–12h
🐈

Cat

Acute CHF and pulmonary edema adjunct
Dose
—
Route
Transdermal
Frequency
q8–12h

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength
—
Strength
—

Storage

Store at room temperature; close tube tightly; do not use with gloves that are NOT nitrile (some glove materials absorb nitroglycerin)

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Blood pressureHeart rateRespiratory rate (improvement in CHF)Application site

Interactions

Contraindicated — 2

Tadalafil
contraindicated
PDE5 inhibitors potentiate nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation from nitrates. Combined cGMP accumulation causes profound, refractory hypotension that may be fatal.
Management: NEVER combine. Allow 48h washout of tadalafil before nitroglycerin (tadalafil half-life 17h).
Sildenafil
contraindicated
Sildenafil + nitrate: synergistic cGMP-mediated vasodilation causing severe, potentially fatal hypotension.
Management: NEVER combine. Allow 24h washout of sildenafil before nitrate.

Brands

Other markets

Nitro-Bid
Nitrol

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Nitroglycerin (Transdermal)?
Nitroglycerin (Transdermal) is a organic nitrate vasodilator used in pets. Metabolized to nitric oxide (NO) which activates guanylyl cyclase in vascular smooth muscle, increasing cGMP and causing venodilation (primarily) and arteriolar dilation. Reduces preload (venous return) more than afterload.
›What is Nitroglycerin (Transdermal) used for in pets?
Nitroglycerin (Transdermal) is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for acute congestive heart failure (reduces preload), pulmonary edema, and ; Acute CHF and pulmonary edema adjunct.
›What is the Nitroglycerin (Transdermal) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Nitroglycerin (Transdermal) is typically dosed as follows — Used for acute congestive heart failure (reduces preload), pulmonary edema, and : undefined undefined Transdermal q8–12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Nitroglycerin (Transdermal) dose for cats?
For cats, Nitroglycerin (Transdermal) is typically dosed as follows — Acute CHF and pulmonary edema adjunct: undefined undefined Transdermal q8–12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Nitroglycerin (Transdermal) need a prescription?
Yes. Nitroglycerin (Transdermal) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →