How often in a day can I use my GTN spray

[Donsfan1983]

Since my GP diagnosed my chest pain symptoms as angina and prescribed a GTN spray I am struggling to understand how best to use the medication. I'm a keen walker but at the moment I can barely walk 500 yards before encountering moderate pain. Some people recommend using the spray before I leave. Can anyone advise on how long I might expect relief before the pain kicks in again? Does anyone know if there is a limit to the number of times each day you can use the spray? I'm new to the condition so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Murderfan58]

I was given the spray to help me with my breathlessness. But I only use mine if I can't get my breathing under control. But only use one spray under my tongue and my breathing is helped by the time the horrible taste has gone . I don't get chest pain . I have PAF born with small hole in the side of my heart . Didn't find that out until 2020 MRI in 2021 confirmed where it was and safer to leave alone unless I get chest pain . Which I don't. I have slightly furring in my right artery found that out in January after an angiography but didn't need a stent but on Atorvastatin to help prevent further furring. Also take Flecainide, Apixaban and Ramipril which have been on long time for blood pressure..I was told to use the spray only when I needed to .

My uncle was helped by having a pacemaker as he couldn't walk far after years of walking miles. He couldn't walk to the end of the road without chest pain . But the pacemaker he was back to his normal walking . But he was never given a spray just had the pacemaker.

[Donsfan1983 in reply to Murderfan58]

Many thanks. That's very helpful. I'm getting a blood and ECG test on Wednesday so should be able to get further info on using the spray.

[Lowerfield_no_more]

If you are experiencing pain after you start exercising you are advised to use the spray before you start exercising. More here

nhs.uk/medicines/glyceryl-t...

Otherwise it might be a good idea to talk to a pharmacist for guidance.

[Donsfan1983 in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Thanks. More chance of seeing a pharmacist than a doctor in my part of the world I'm afraid.

[Mickem]

Have you had stents or a bypass?

[Donsfan1983 in reply to Mickem]

I was just diagnosed last week. I get a full blood and ECG test on Wednesday. It will probably be some time before I know the results but to answer your question, no and no.