Comparative evaluation of the three commercially available transdermal nitroglycerin delivery systems

We comparatively evaluated the patient preference for each of the three commercially available transdermal nitroglycerin delivery systems using a randomized crossover study design. Preference was determined by ease of application, adhesion, occurrence of local irritation at the site of application, and systemic toxicities. In addition, we recorded the number of nitroglycerin tablets taken and angina attacks reported per treatment course. Each treatment course was one month long, with each patient participating for a total of three months. This allowed all patients to be exposed to each of the three products for one treatment course, thereby serving as their own controls. Thirty-eight patients completed the three-phase crossover and expressed a preference. Results showed that Transderm-Nitro was significantly preferred over both Nitro-Dur and Nitrodisc (p less than 0.005). Most of the preferences were based on cosmetic appearances or adhesive qualities. Additionally, results showed that there was no difference in efficacy among the three products when number of angina attacks reported and number of nitroglycerin tablets taken were compared.