Related Experiment Videos
Allergic reactions to local glyceryl trinitrate administration
N G Kounis1, G M Zavras, P J Papadaki
1Department of Medicine, Agios Andreas General Hospital, Patras, Greece.
The British Journal of Clinical Practice
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) patches can cause skin reactions, with most being irritant. Switching patch systems may reduce local reactions in angina patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) is used for angina pectoris.
- Cutaneous reactions to GTN patches can occur, impacting patient adherence.
- Understanding the causes and extent of these reactions is crucial for optimizing therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the exact cause and extent of transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)-induced allergic reactions.
- To evaluate the incidence of cutaneous reactions with continuous and intermittent use of GTN patches.
- To identify factors contributing to GTN patch-related skin reactions.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 320 patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II and III angina pectoris.
- Utilized three commercially available GTN patch systems for continuous and intermittent application.
- Monitored and documented all cutaneous reactions, differentiating between irritant and allergic responses.
Main Results:
- Overall, 6.5% of patients experienced cutaneous reactions.
- Irritant reactions, primarily due to contaminants and additives, occurred in 5.3% of patients.
- Allergic reactions, including localized, remote lesions, and one anaphylactic reaction, occurred in 1.2% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Most skin reactions to transdermal GTN are irritant and potentially linked to patch contaminants.
- Switching to a different transdermal system can decrease the incidence of local reactions.
- This is beneficial for patients who respond well to glyceryl trinitrate therapy.