Intravenous Administration of Nitrates

Abstract

Intravenous administration of nitrates is the most important application form of these agents in emergency situations. The introduction of formulations of nitroglycerin, ISDN and IS-5-MN for intravenous administration has changed the face of acute coronary care. The history of intensive coronary care units can be divided into three periods:

• 1. The first decade, when arrhythmias were effectively detected and treated, but little could be offered to treat hemodynamic deterioration.

• 2. The second decade, when intravenous nitrates, together with the modern sympathomimetic amines, provided a therapeutic tool for acute hemodynamic deterioration.

• 3. The third period, which has just begun, is the era of interventional cardiology. It has created new indications for intravenous nitrates as adjuncts to percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and thrombolysis.