Anti-Angina drugs are
medicines that relieve the symptoms of Angina Pectoris (severe chest
pain).
Purpose
The dull, tight chest pain of Angina occurs when the heart's
muscular wall is not getting enough oxygen. By relaxing the blood
vessels, Anti-Angina Drugs reduce the heart's work load and increase
the amount of oxygen-rich blood that reaches the heart. These drugs
come in different forms, and are used in three main ways:
- Taken regularly over a long period, they reduce the number of
angina attacks.
- Taken just before some activity that usually brings on an
attack, such as climbing stairs, they prevent attacks.
- Taken when an attack begins, they relieve the pain and
pressure.
Description
Anti-Angina Drugs, also known as Nitrates, come in many different
forms: tablets and capsules that are swallowed; tablets that are
held under the tongue, inside the lip, or in the cheek until they
dissolve; stick-on patches; ointment; and in-the-mouth sprays.
Commonly used Anti-Angina Drugs include Isosorbide Dinitrate and
Nitroglycerin. These medicines are available only with a physician's
prescription.
