What Is Nitrostat? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Nitrostat is one of the most recognizable names in cardiovascular medicine. If you or someone you love has been prescribed Nitrostat, here's everything you need to know to use it safely and effectively.

What Is Nitrostat?

Nitrostat is the brand name for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets — small tablets that dissolve under the tongue or in the cheek. The active ingredient is nitroglycerin (also called glyceryl trinitrate), an organic nitrate that has been used in medicine for over a century.

Nitrostat is manufactured by Pfizer. FDA-approved generic versions of nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are also available from manufacturers including Dr. Reddy's Laboratories. Generics are therapeutically equivalent to the brand-name product.

What Is Nitrostat Used For?

Nitrostat is FDA-approved for two related uses in adults:

Acute relief of an angina attack: Taken at the first sign of chest pain to stop an episode of angina (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart).

Prophylaxis (prevention) of angina: Taken 5–10 minutes before activities that are known to trigger chest pain, such as climbing stairs, sexual activity, or other exertion.

Angina is a pain or discomfort that occurs when part of the heart muscle isn't getting enough oxygen-rich blood. It often feels like pressure, squeezing, or tightness — typically in the chest, but sometimes radiating to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common underlying cause.

Dosage: How to Take Nitrostat

Nitrostat is available in three strengths:

0.3 mg sublingual tablets (bottles of 100)

0.4 mg sublingual tablets (bottles of 25 and 100) — most commonly prescribed

0.6 mg sublingual tablets (bottles of 100)

Standard dosing for acute angina:

Sit or lie down before taking Nitrostat (blood pressure drops fast).

Place one tablet under your tongue or inside your cheek. Allow it to dissolve — do not chew or swallow.

If pain persists after 5 minutes, take a second tablet.

If pain persists after a third tablet (15 minutes total), call 911 immediately. Do not drive yourself.

Do not rinse your mouth or spit for at least 5 minutes after placing the tablet — this can reduce drug absorption.

Onset and Duration: How Fast Does It Work?

Nitrostat begins working within 1 to 3 minutes of administration. Effects peak at approximately 5 minutes and persist for at least 25 minutes. This rapid onset is what makes sublingual nitroglycerin the gold standard for acute angina rescue — no other oral medication works as fast.

Proper Storage: This Matters for Potency

Nitroglycerin tablets are sensitive to environmental conditions. Improper storage is one of the most common reasons Nitrostat loses potency before its expiration date:

Store in the original glass container with the cap tightly closed — do not transfer to a pillbox or plastic container.

Room temperature only: 68°F–77°F (20°C–25°C). Do not store in a hot car, near a stove, or in a bathroom medicine cabinet.

Replace after 6 months of opening: Even if tablets remain, an open bottle loses potency. Date the bottle when you open it.

Keep away from light and moisture: Both degrade nitroglycerin quickly.

Is Nitrostat a Controlled Substance?

No. Nitrostat is not a federally scheduled controlled substance. It requires a prescription but has no DEA scheduling restrictions. It can be prescribed by any licensed provider including primary care physicians, cardiologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

Finding Nitrostat in Stock

If you're having trouble locating Nitrostat at your pharmacy, visit medfinder.com — medfinder contacts pharmacies near you to find which ones have it in stock. You can also read our detailed tips: How to find Nitrostat in stock near you (tools + tips).