An unusual complication of intravenous nitroglycerin

Intravenous nitroglycerin is frequently used in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction for its vasodilating effect on lowering both preload and afterload and in the control of ischemic heart pain. The end point for doses of nitroglycerin infusion is either relief of persistent or recurrent angina or controlling congestive heart failure by lowering left ventricular end diastolic pressure and volume. Nitroglycerin accomplishes these end points primarily through its venodilating property. Intolerable headaches or symptomatic hypotension may prevent achieving the clinical end point. Nevertheless, high doses of intravenous nitroglycerin may need to be administered to achieve a desired hemodynamic and therapeutic effect. Changes in mental status, i.e., lethargy and confusion, should be a warning sign of possible ethanol intoxication. An alcohol blood level verifies the clinical impression and gradually withdrawing the intravenous nitroglycerin is all that is necessary to effect a total recovery from this reaction.