TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

NITROGLYCERIN

Cardiovascular Approved 1981-05-28

Nitroglycerin is a nitrate vasodilator used to help patients with coronary artery disease manage chest pain. It treats acute attacks of angina pectoris and is also used for the short-term prevention of these episodes. These sublingual tablets provide a way for patients to address symptoms quickly as they arise.

Source: FDA Label • TP ANDA HOLDINGS • Nitrate Vasodilator

How NITROGLYCERIN Works

Nitroglycerin forms free radical nitric oxide (NO), which activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase. This results in an increase of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cyclic GMP) within smooth muscle tissues, leading to the dephosphorylation of myosin light chains. This process results in smooth muscle relaxation and systemic vasodilation.

24
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
44
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
1981-05-28
Routes
INTRA-ANAL, SUBLINGUAL, INJECTION, TRANSDERMAL, Transdermal, Injection
Dosage Forms
OINTMENT, TABLET, INJECTABLE, FILM, EXTENDED RELEASE, Film, Extended Release, Injectable, SPRAY, METERED

NITROGLYCERIN Approval History

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Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
155 FDA actions from 1981 to 2025
Dec 2025 ORIGINAL
Update
Apr 2025 ORIGINAL
Update
Dec 2024 ORIGINAL
Update

What NITROGLYCERIN Treats

2 indications

NITROGLYCERIN is approved for 2 conditions since its original approval in 1981. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Angina Pectoris
  • Coronary Artery Disease
Source: FDA Label

NITROGLYCERIN Competitive Set

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Three rings of competition based on shared molecular targets and treated indications.

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

Drugs Similar to NITROGLYCERIN

3 of 20

FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

MONOKET
ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE
2 shared
OMNIVIUM PHARMS
NITRO-DUR
NITROGLYCERIN
2 shared
USPHARMA
NITROLINGUAL PUMPSPRAY
NITROGLYCERIN
2 shared
POHL BOSKAMP
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Clinical Trial Registry

13 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT02425566 141218 Ph 1 active not recruiting Role of Sympathetic Activity and Splanchnic Capacitance in Hypertension
NCT03689946 results posted 54274 Ph 3 completed Effect of Evolocumab on Coronary Atherosclerosis
NCT02209636 results posted CLNB-006-13F CX001030 Ph 4 completed Phosphate Lowering in CKD Trial
NCT02617550 VENICE 17849 2015-001444-11 Ph 1 completed Vericiguat Drug-drug Interaction With Nitroglycerin in Stable Coronary Artery Disease Patients
NCT03716050 results posted IRB00038262 Ph 2, Ph 3 terminated The Effect of Nitroglycerin Ointment, Fluorescent Angiography, and Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Mastectomy Skin Flap Perfusion-Related Problems
NCT03809065 N53-2016 Ph 4 completed Effects of Nitroglycerin Versus Labetalol on Tissue Perfusion During Deliberate Hypotension
NCT03296670 LSG1501104 Ph 4 completed Efficacy of Intracoronary Infusion of Different Medicine in STEMI Patients With CSFP
NCT04220281 prop RGAbusinna Ph 1, Ph 2 terminated Comparison Between Two Drugs (Propofol and Nitroglycerin as a Hypotensive Agents During Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
NCT02961946 results posted 2016P002417 Ph 4 completed Effects of Sublingual and Transdermal Administration of Nitroglycerin for Coronary CT Angiography on Image Quality
NCT03622060 NONERAO HerminaHCK Ph 3 completed Intraarterial Nitroglycerin Versus Nicardipine and Radial Artery Occlusion
NCT02343276 results posted ICSC-2015 Ph 3 completed Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Transradial Catheterization With or Without Spasmolytic Drugs
NCT02327793 PATIS PATIS Version 1.0 Ph 2 completed Perfusion and Antihypertensive Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke
NCT02254252 results posted 12604 Ph 4 completed Effects of Nicorandil on Angina Symptoms in Patients With Coronary Slow Flow
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Active Pipeline

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Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

NITROGLYCERIN FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

NITROGLYCERIN is indicated for the treatment of Angina Pectoris; Coronary Artery Disease.

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NITROGLYCERIN IN DEXTROSE 5%

Full clinical data, patents, trials, and competitive landscape for nitroglycerin.

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.