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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
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 →

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
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 →

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.
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 →

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.
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 →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database
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