It works by relaxing the blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its work load. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/science/nitroglycerin, The Nobel Foundation - Nitroglycerine and Dynamite, Public Broadcasting Service - Nitroglycerin, Visit an explosive factory and learn about nitroglycerine. Nitroglycerin definition, a colorless, thick, oily, flammable, highly explosive, slightly water-soluble liquid, C3H5N3O9, prepared from glycerol with nitric and sulfuric acids: used chiefly as a constituent of dynamite and other explosives, in rocket propellants, and in medicine as a vasodilator in the treatment of angina pectoris. [32][verification needed], Overdoses may generate methemoglobinemia. [33], For the undiluted form used as an explosive, see, C(C(CO[N+](=O)[O-])O[N+](=O)[O-])O[N+](=O)[O-], InChI=1S/C3H5N3O9/c7-4(8)13-1-3(15-6(11)12)2-14-5(9)10/h3H,1-2H2. Nobel’s discovery of this action led to the development of ballistite, the first double-base propellant and a precursor of cordite. Nitroglycerin and related drugs, known as nitrates, widen the arteries that nourish the heart and reduce the heart's workload. Among other roles, cGMP serves as a substrate for a cGMP-dependent protein kinase that activates myosin light chain phosphatase. Nitroglycerin and Erectile Dysfunction Medicine. Nitroglycerin has a dilating effect on the blood vessels and a doctor may prescribe it to treat a number of conditions involving restriction of the blood flow. But nitrates come in a variety of different formulations (see "Nitrates for angina: Many choices"). Thus, glyceryl trinitrate works best when used only in short-term, pulse dosing. Definition. Studies have shown[weasel words] that nitrate tolerance is associated with vascular abnormalities which have the potential to worsen patients' prognosis. Nitroglycerin is in a class of medications called vasodilators. On pages 198–199, Sobrero describes the results of administering nitroglycerin to a puppy, a mouse, and a guinea pig. This would get so long that scientists would sit on one-legged chairs so if they fell asleep they would fall off. The tablets are placed under the tongue (sublingual) or between the cheek and gum (buccal). See more. De tekst is beschikbaar onder de licentie Creative Commons Naamsvermelding/Gelijk delen, er kunnen aanvullende voorwaarden van toepassing zijn.Zie de gebruiksvoorwaarden voor meer informatie. it generates heat and will result in an explosion of nitroglycerine, unless the mixture is cooled while the reaction is taking place. [clarification needed] Thus, production of NO from exogenous sources such as GTN increases the level of cGMP within the cell, and stimulates dephosphorylation of myosin, which initiates relaxation of smooth muscle cells in blood vessels. The … As a consequence of rapid metabolism in the liver and in other tissues, nitroglycerin’s half-life is very short (1-4 min) and it’s systemic clearance usually exceeds the cardiac output. Nitroglycerin belongs to the group of medicines called nitrates. Pure nitroglycerin is a colourless, oily, somewhat toxic liquid having a sweet, burning taste. Wikipedia® is een geregistreerd handelsmerk van de Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., een organisatie zonder winstoogmerk. GTN also can cause severe hypotension, circulatory collapse, and death if used together with vasodilator drugs that are used for erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. The overall effect is the instantaneous development of a pressure of 20,000 atmospheres; the resulting detonation wave moves at approximately 7,700 metres per second (more than 17,000 miles per hour). Discusses using nitroglycerin to treat angina, a type of chest pain. Try to rest or stay seated when you take nitroglycerin (may cause dizziness or fainting). Corrections? Nitroglycerin sublingual spray or tablets may be used to relieve symptoms of angina (chest pain) in suitable people. The tablets is usually taken as needed, either 5 to 10 minutes before activities that may cause attacks of angina or at the first sign of an attack. [1], Common side effects include headache and low blood pressure. Omissions? But some people develop a tolerance, and it's … Patients in heart failure may need this medication to reduce the load on the heart so it does not need to work as hard. Also to know is, what causes glycerin to crystallize? Nitroglycerin, also called glyceryl trinitrate, a powerful explosive and an important ingredient of most forms of dynamite. The circumstances are generally exertion, excitement, or deep emotion. Such activation is suggested to cause sympathetic activation, and release of vasoconstrictors such as endothelin and angiotensin II. Continuous administration and absorption (such as provided by daily pills and especially skin patches) accelerate onset of tolerance and limit the usefulness of the agent. When Nitroglycerin was first produced it was an extremely long process because it called for manual stirring and constant watch. Nitroglycerin has one major disadvantage, however - it is very, very unstable. Tolerance is defined as the loss of symptomatic and hemodynamic effects of GTN and/or the need for higher doses of the drug to achieve the same effects,[citation needed] and was first described soon after the introduction of GTN in cardiovascular therapy. Pure nitroglycerin is a colourless, oily, Do not rinse or spit nitroglycerin powder for 5 minutes after using the medicine. Nitroglycerin taken to prevent attacks (prophylactically) under such circumstances is advisable. What is nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin also finds application in medicine as a vasodilator, a substance that causes blood vessels to relax and open up, allowing blood to flow more freely through them. Some believe[weasel words] that organic nitrates produce NO by reacting with sulfhydryl groups, while others believe that enzymes such as glutathione S-transferases, cytochrome P450 (CYP), and xanthine oxidoreductase are the primary source of GTN bioactivation. Nitroglycerin comes as a sublingual tablet to take under the tongue. Deze pagina is voor het laatst bewerkt op 27 nov 2020 om 10:05. Nitroglycerin can be used as a crucial medicine within human anatomy, and this quiz/worksheet will help you test your understanding of its use and characteristics. In recent years,[when?] Nitroglycerin definition, a colorless, thick, oily, flammable, highly explosive, slightly water-soluble liquid, C3H5N3O9, prepared from glycerol with nitric and sulfuric acids: used chiefly as a constituent of dynamite and other explosives, in rocket propellants, and in medicine as a vasodilator in the treatment of angina pectoris. It was known almost from the time of the first synthesis of GTN by Ascanio Sobrero in 1846 that handling and tasting of nitroglycerin could cause sudden intense headaches,[5][6] which suggested a vasodilation effect (as suggested by Sobrero). Topical nitroglycerin: a potential treatment for impotence. Nitroglycerin is used to treat or prevent attacks of chest pain (angina). It is also used just before activities that may cause episodes of angina in order to prevent the angina from occurring. Nitroglycerin is an organic nitrate with vasodilator activity. The quick-acting forms include tablets or oral sprays. Nitroglycerin use is managed by your doctor. As nitroglycerin contains oxygen, nitrogen and carbon, an explosion is essentially rapid combustion - the three nitrate groups (powerful oxidizing agents) are bound directly to a hydrocarbon fragment (a fuel). Nitroglycerin belongs to the group of medicines called nitrates. You can develop tolerance to this medicine over time, which means that the same dose becomes less effective. Nitroglycerin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Can you filter your way through our chemistry quiz? It is used to treat sudden episodes of angina and to prevent the occurrence of future episodes. The side effects of this medication are generally mild, although any bothersome symptoms that develop after taking nitroglycerin should be reported to a … Nitroglycerin, a powerful explosive and an important ingredient of most forms of dynamite. Better blood flow means your heart doesn't have to work as hard. But some people develop a tolerance, and it's … Called also glyceryl trinitrate. Men with heart disease and other long-term health problems are more likely to have erectile dysfunction (ED) or trouble with erections. Examples of transdermal drugs are nitroglycerin, in impregnated disks applied to the upper chest or upper arm, and scopolamine (a drug used to treat motion sickness and nausea), in a polymer device applied behind the ear.…, A recently discovered liquid compound, nitroglycerin, was a much more powerful explosive, but it was so unstable that it could not be handled with any degree of safety. According to the Journal of Sexual Medicine, the … Heart Medication: Nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin has a large volume of distribution due to its high liposolubility and to tissular protein binding. It works by relaxing the blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its work load. Covers how to take the drug. [1] It is unclear if use in pregnancy is safe for the baby. Store nitroglycerin sublingual tablets at room temperature (between 68° and 77°F). Upsides. It may also be used to produce hypotension (low blood pressure) during surgery. Nitroglycerin is soluble in water, ethanol, and methanol and miscible with ether, acetone, and chloroform. Some other medications in this class are: nitrostat nitroQuick deponit nitrek nitrong How Nitroglycerin Works Angina is caused by a lack of oxygenated blood flow… Quiz & Worksheet Goals. Nitroglycerin is a prescription medication used to treat chest pain and manage a variety of heart conditions. Nitroglycerin is used to prevent angina caused by coronary artery disease.This medicine is also used to relieve an angina attack that is already occurring.. Nitroglycerin belongs to the group of medicines called nitrates. GTN is a prodrug which must be denitrated, with the nitrite anion or a related species further reduced to produce the active metabolite nitric oxide (NO). It is taken by mouth, under the tongue, applied to the skin, or by injection into a vein. Detonation of nitroglycerin generates gases that would occupy more than 1,200 times the original volume at ordinary room temperature and pressure; moreover, the heat liberated raises the temperature to about 5,000 °C (9,000 °F). This is primarily due to his deep rooted focus in homeopathy. A nitroglycerin drip is an intravenous administration of diluted nitroglycerin to treat a patient with medical problems related to the heart and blood pressure. Nitroglycerin (nye-tro-GLIH-cer-in) is a pale yellow oily flammable liquid that is highly explosive. [15], Tentative evidence indicates efficacy of glyceryl trinitrate in the treatment of various tendinopathies, both in pain management and acceleration of soft tissue repair. Includes info on when to call for emergency help. What is Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) used for? Organic nitrates that undergo these two steps within the body are called nitrovasodilators, and the denitration and reduction occur via a variety of mechanisms. How to Get Nitroglycerin in BioShock. This includes chest pain from a heart attack. [7], The medical establishment used the name "glyceryl trinitrate" or "trinitrin" to avoid alarming patients, because of a general awareness that nitroglycerin was explosive. Nitroglycerin comes in quick-acting forms and long-acting forms. [1] It is taken by mouth, under the tongue, applied to the skin, or by injection into a vein. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablet (Nitrostat) is used to treat angina (chest pain). [1], Nitroglycerin was written about as early as 1846[5][6] and came into medical use in 1878. Nitroglycerin injection is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) during surgery or to control congestive heart failure in patients who have had a heart attack. Provides info on side effects and interactions with other drugs. Nitroglycerin is used for the treatment and prevention of angina caused by coronary artery disease.Sublingual nitroglycerin and nitroglycerin spray are used to treat acute anginal attacks. Nitroglycerin may case dizziness. Nitroglycerin is classified therapeutically as an antianginal medication and pharmacologically as a nitrate. This led to the development of transdermal patches of glyceryl trinitrate, providing 24-hour release. Nitroglycerin is a stabilized sublingual compressed nitroglycerin tablet that contains 0.3 mg, 0.4 mg, or 0.6 mg nitroglycerin USP; as well as calcium stearate powder, colloidal silicon dioxide, hydrogenated vegetable oil, lactose monohydrate, and pregelatinized starch. In general, quick-acting nitroglycerin is used: To relieve sudden angina. Nitroglycerin is converted into nitric oxide (NO) in smooth muscle and activates guanylyl cyclase, thereby increasing cGMP concentration, and resulting in smooth muscle relaxation. Nitroglycerin facilitates the flow of blood , decreases the workload for the heart and, consequently, the amount of oxygen it needs because it acts by relaxing the blood vessels. [22][full citation needed] These include endothelial and autonomic dysfunction. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. [11][12], Nitroglycerin is used for the treatment of angina, acute myocardial infarction, severe hypertension, and acute coronary artery spasms. Learn about side effects, dosage, warnings, and more. A nitroglycerin pilot plant has been installed at Xi’ an site in China and is currently started up [4], The manufactured nitroglycerin will be used as medicine for acute cardiac infarction.Therefore, the product quality must be on highest grade, and initial tests already revealed higher selectivity and purity. Nitroglycerin is a prescription medication used to treat chest pain and manage a variety of heart conditions. Nitroglycerin plasticizes collodion (a form of nitrocellulose) to form blasting gelatin, a very powerful explosive. Nitroglycerin is used for the treatment and prevention of angina caused by coronary artery disease.Sublingual nitroglycerin and nitroglycerin spray are used to treat acute anginal attacks. At higher doses nitroglycerin dilates arteriolar smooth muscle, thereby reducing peripheral resistance and afterload. Most patients having angina are aware of the factors that produce discomfort. It is also used with nitrocellulose in some propellants, especially for rockets and missiles, and it is employed as a vasodilator in the easing of cardiac pain. When used regularly on a long-term basis, or just before exercise or a stressful event, this … nitroglycerin [ni″tro-glis´er-in] a chemical well known as an explosive but also having medical uses; it is a vasodilator and is used medically especially in the prophylaxis and treatment of angina pectoris. [23][full citation needed]. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator, a medicine that opens blood vessels to improve blood flow. [14] However, the effectiveness of glyceryl trinitrate is limited by development of tolerance/tachyphylaxis within 2–3 weeks of sustained use. Glyceryl trinitrate is useful for myocardial infarction (heart attack) and pulmonary edema, again working best if used quickly, within a few minutes of symptom onset, as a pulse dose. Angina Pectoris Prophylaxis Hypertension Myocardial Infarction Pre-eclampsia/Eclampsia Angina Pectoris Heart Disease Cardiovascular Disease Ischemic Heart Disease Hypertensive Congestive Heart Failure Hypertensive Heart (w/ … Transdermal nitroglycerin, nitroglycerin ointment and capsules do not act rapidly enough to be used for acute anginal attacks. To be a useful explosive, a substance has to be able to withstand, without detonating, the jolts and bumps both of its manufacture, and of its transportation to where it will be used. It is also used with nitrocellulose in some propellants, especially for rockets and missiles, and it is employed as a vasodilator in the easing of cardiac pain. Nitroglycerin injection is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) during surgery or to control congestive heart failure in patients who have had a heart attack. In the more modern age however not much was changed of the process. The hazards involved in preparing large quantities of nitroglycerin have been greatly reduced by widespread adoption of continuous nitration processes. Nitrates are vasodilators, which means they help widen (dilate) your blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through and let more oxygen-rich blood reach your heart. Nitrates are vasodilators, which means they help widen (dilate) your blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through and let more oxygen-rich blood reach your heart. From the elements of the periodic table to the processes that create everyday objects—these are just a few of the things that the science of chemistry can teach us. Nitroglycerin definition is - an oily explosive poisonous liquid C3H5N3O9 used chiefly in making dynamite and in medicine as a vasodilator. When used regularly on a long-term basis, or just before exercise or a stressful event, this helps prevent angina attacks from occurring. This disadvantage is overcome by using mixtures of nitroglycerin with other polynitrates; for example, a mixture of nitroglycerin and ethylene glycol dinitrate freezes at −29 °C (−20 °F). Men with heart disease and other long-term health problems are more likely to have erectile dysfunction (ED) or trouble with erections. It was first prepared in 1846 by the Italian chemist Ascanio Sobrero by adding glycerol to a mixture of concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids. [9] Dilution makes it non-explosive. The mechanisms of nitrate tolerance have been investigated over the last 30 years, and several hypotheses to explain tolerance have been offered, including: Recent evidence suggests[weasel words] that deleterious GTN-induced production of oxygen free radicals might induce a number of abnormalities, include those described above, so that the oxidative stress hypothesis might represent a unifying principle. How does it work? Nitroglycerin is also available in an injectable form to be given directly into a vein (IV) by a healthcare professional. Do not eat, drink, … It is used in the manufacture of explosives, specifically dynamite, and as such is employed in the construction and demolition industries, and as a plasticizer in some solid propellants. Quick-acting forms of nitroglycerin are used to relieve angina or used just before activities that typically cause angina. a great deal of evidence has been produced[citation needed] that supports the conclusion that GTN's clinically relevant denitration and reduction produce 1,2-glyceryl dinitrate (GDN) and NO, and that this reaction is catalysed by mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2 or mtALDH). After taking a nitroglycerin under the tongue (sublingually), relief is likely to follow within one to two minutes. [1][2][3][4] This includes chest pain from a heart attack. Nitroglycerin has long been prescribed to ease the symptoms of heart disease. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Nitroglycerin is a type of nitrate. Nitroglycerin is soluble in water, ethanol, and methanol and miscible with ether, acetone, and chloroform. Nitroglycerin also known as glyceryl trinitrate is used as an anti-angina vasodilating agent. Called also glyceryl trinitrate. Common side effects of nitroglycerin include headache, dizziness, decreased blood pressure, and increased chest pain. [7][8][9] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Nitroglycerin is an antianginal as well as antihypertensive agent that dilates peripheral capacitance and resistance vessels. It is used to treat angina symptoms, such as chest pain or pressure, that happens when there is not enough blood flowing to the heart. [citation needed]It may also be given as a sublingual or buccal dose in the form of a tablet placed under the tongue or a spray into the mouth for the treatment of an angina attack. Nitroglycerin dilates blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. Nitroglycerin is converted to nitric oxide (a natural vasodilator) within the body, which in turn causes the coronary artery (blood vessels surrounding the heart) to dilate, increasing blood flow and thereby improving the oxygen supply to the heart. [1][13], GTN is useful in decreasing angina attacks, perhaps more so than reversing angina once started, by supplementing blood concentrations of NO, also called endothelium-derived relaxing factor, before the structure of NO as the responsible agent was known. Nevertheless, Nobel in 1862 built a small factory to manufacture nitroglycerin, and at the same time he undertook research in the hope…. [10] The drug nitroglycerin (GTN) is a dilute form of the same chemical used as the explosive, nitroglycerin. Topic Overview What is nitroglycerin? [29] Constantine Hering developed a form of nitroglycerin in 1847 and advocated for its dosing as a treatment of a number of diseases; however, its use as a specific treatment for blood pressure and chest pain was not among these. The most common side effects of nitroglycerin include headaches and dizziness. The side effects of this medication are generally mild, although any bothersome symptoms that develop after taking nitroglycerin should be reported to a doctor for further medical evaluation. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-18030/nitroglycerin-oral/details 2. Don’t use or apply this topical treatment without guidance. It is used primarily as an explosive by itself and as an ingredient in dynamite. But nitrates come in a variety of different formulations (see \"Nitrates for angina: Many choices\").\"My personal view is that these medications are seriously underused. Nitroglycerin is a yellow liquid that is used as an explosive in large doses but is used medically in miniscule doses as a vasodilator (makes the blood vessels get wider).. It is even better to take a pill in anticipation of angina. The reaction which follows is highly exothermic, i.e. Nitroglycerin is also called glyceryl trinitrate, is used to prevent attacks of chest pain (angina) caused by coronary artery disease (narrowing of … Production Nitroglycerin is not a natural material so it must be manufactured. This treatment is typically only available in hospital settings or during patient transport, as a patient who would need this therapy may be too ill to leave the hospital. Nitrate… nitroglycerin [ni″tro-glis´er-in] a chemical well known as an explosive but also having medical uses; it is a vasodilator and is used medically especially in the prophylaxis and treatment of angina pectoris. See more. It is a slightly volatile odorless oily liquid with sweet, aromatic, and pungent taste. Nitroglycerin and Erectile Dysfunction Medicine. The safe use of nitroglycerin as a blasting explosive became possible after the Swedish chemist Alfred B. Nobel developed dynamite in the 1860s by combining liquid nitroglycerin with an inert porous material such as charcoal or diatomaceous earth. Nitroglycerin and related drugs, known as nitrates, widen the arteries that nourish the heart and reduce the heart's workload. A serious problem in the use of nitroglycerin results from its high freezing point (13 °C [55 °F]) and the fact that the solid is even more shock-sensitive than the liquid. Place the tablet under the tongue or between the cheek and gum, and let it dissolve. Murrell began treating patients with small doses of GTN in 1878, and the substance was widely adopted after he published his results in The Lancet in 1879. [3], GTN was once researched for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis; however, the researcher Sophie Jamal was found to have falsified the findings, sparking one of the largest scientific misconduct cases in Canada. The effect of 2 per cent nitroglycerin paste applied to the penile shaft of impotent subjects was evaluated in a placebo controlled double-blind study under laboratory conditions. [1] The low blood pressure can be severe. It may also be used to produce hypotension (low blood pressure) during surgery. Nitroglycerin may be used to treat angina. You may use nitroglycerin sublingual within 5 to 10 minutes before an activity you think might cause chest pain. Nitroglycerin injection may be given by a doctor's office or before surgery to treat or lower high blood pressure, to control heart failure associated with a heart attack, or to treat angina in suitable patients. How does it work? It causes hypotension and reflex tachycardia, which are exacerbated by the volume depletion characteristic of hypertensive emergencies. Nitroglycerin is extremely sensitive to shock and to rapid heating; it begins to decompose at 50–60 °C (122–140 °F) and explodes at 218 °C (424 °F). By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. What is nitroglycerin? Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should be kept in the original glass container and tightly capped after each use to prevent loss of tablet potency. Nitroglycerin may release to the environment through various waste streams. Nitroglycerin binds moderately to plasma proteins (60%). Nitroglycerin has long been prescribed to ease the symptoms of heart disease. [21], After long-term use for chronic conditions, nitrate tolerance—tolerance to agents such as GTN— may develop in a patient, reducing its effectiveness. [1] While it is not entirely clear how it works, it is believed to function by dilating blood vessels. Nitroglycerin (NG), forby kent as nitroglycerine, trinitroglycerin, trinitroglycerine, or nitro, or mair correctly as glyceryl trinitrate, or mair formally as 1,2,3-trinitroxypropane, is a hivy, colourless, ily, explosive liquid maist commonly produced bi treatin glycerol wi white fumin nitric acid unner condeetions appropriate tae the formation o the nitric acid ester. Sobrero managed to revive it, but it convulsed. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or swallowed. [1] Nitroglycerin is in the nitrate family of medications. The NO produced by this process is a potent activator of guanylyl cyclase (GC) by heme-dependent mechanisms; this activation results in formation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) from guanosine triphosphate (GTP). Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Not all types of chest pain will respond to nitroglycerin. You have to stick to a really specific dosing schedule for the extended-release, ointment, and patch forms to prevent this from happening. Nitroglycerin is usually taken at the first sign of chest pain. Nitroglycerin is a viscous, colorless, oily, explosive liquid obtained by nitrating glycerol. After giving (orally) several centigrams of nitroglycerin to a puppy, the animal vomited, and within 7-8 minutes, it ceased to breath. Nom commun [modifier le wikicode] The plant is foreseen to operate safely and fully automated. Nitroglycerin is more promptly effective when taken at the very inception of chest discomfort. [2], GTN has been used to decrease pain associated with dysmenorrhea. nitroglycerin sur l’encyclopédie Wikipédia (en anglais) Références [modifier le wikicode] (en) Douglas Harper, Online Etymology Dictionary, 2001–2020 → consulter cet ouvrage; Tchèque [modifier le wikicode] Étymologie [modifier le wikicode] De l’anglais nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are used to treat episodes of angina (chest pain) in people who have coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart). Transdermal nitroglycerin, nitroglycerin ointment and capsules do not act rapidly enough to be used for acute anginal attacks. After Fort Frolic, Jack makes his way to Hephaestus, intending to gain access to the personal office of Andrew Ryan himself. Nitroglycerin, also known as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), is a medication used for heart failure, high blood pressure, anal fissures, painful periods, and to treat and prevent chest pain caused by decreased blood flow to the heart (angina) or due to the recreational use of cocaine. Heart Medication: Nitroglycerin. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Tour an explosives factory and learn about nitroglycerin. [3-(nitrooxy)-2-[(nitrooxy)methyl]propyl] nitrate; Nitroglycerin, also known as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), is a medication used for heart failure, high blood pressure, anal fissures, painful periods, and to treat and prevent chest pain caused by decreased blood flow to the heart (angina) or due to the recreational use of cocaine. Nitroglycerin, with the molecular formula C3H5(ONO2)3, has a high nitrogen content (18.5 percent) and contains sufficient oxygen atoms to oxidize the carbon and hydrogen atoms while nitrogen is being liberated, so that it is one of the most powerful explosives known.