Nitroglycerin has been hard to find at pharmacies across the U.S. Learn why it's in short supply in 2026 and what you can do to get your prescription filled.
If you or a loved one depends on Nitroglycerin for chest pain, you may have already experienced the frustration of hearing your pharmacist say, "We don't have it right now." You're not imagining things — Nitroglycerin has been genuinely difficult to find at pharmacies across the United States, and the problem has persisted well into 2026.
This article explains why Nitroglycerin is so hard to find, what's causing the shortage, and most importantly, what steps you can take right now to get the medication you need.
Nitroglycerin is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called nitrate vasodilators. It has been used for over a century to treat and prevent angina — the chest pain that occurs when your heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood.
The most common form is the sublingual tablet (placed under the tongue), which works within minutes to relieve acute chest pain. Nitroglycerin is also available as a translingual spray (Nitrolingual, Nitromist), transdermal patches (Nitro-Dur, Minitran), and other formulations.
For many patients with coronary artery disease, Nitroglycerin isn't just a convenience — it's a lifesaving rescue medication. Running out or being unable to fill a prescription can be genuinely dangerous.
There are several reasons behind the ongoing Nitroglycerin supply problems:
The sublingual tablet market is dominated by Pfizer's Nitrostat, with very few generic competitors. When a single company controls most of the supply, any disruption — a factory shutdown, quality control issue, or raw material delay — can ripple across the entire market. Unlike medications with dozens of generic makers, Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets have a fragile supply chain.
Nitroglycerin is a chemically unstable compound that degrades quickly when exposed to heat, light, or moisture. Sublingual tablets must be stored in original glass bottles with special closures to maintain potency. This specialized packaging limits which manufacturers can produce the drug and adds complexity to the supply chain.
The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for Nitroglycerin requires careful handling because it is, historically, an explosive compound. The number of facilities certified to produce pharmaceutical-grade Nitroglycerin is limited globally, creating bottlenecks when demand surges or a supplier goes offline.
The FDA has listed Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets and injectable formulations on its drug shortage list at various points since 2023. While supply fluctuates, the underlying vulnerabilities — few manufacturers, specialized production — haven't been fully resolved. For the latest updates, check our Nitroglycerin shortage update for 2026.
The shortage has real consequences for the millions of Americans who rely on Nitroglycerin:
The good news is that you have options. Here's what you can do if you're struggling to find Nitroglycerin:
MedFinder helps you search for Nitroglycerin availability at pharmacies near you in real time. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check stock from your phone or computer. Learn more in our guide on how to find Nitroglycerin in stock near you.
If sublingual tablets aren't available, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the Nitroglycerin spray (Nitrolingual or Nitromist), which works the same way and may have better availability. Transdermal patches are another option for prevention. Our article on alternatives to Nitroglycerin covers all your options.
Large chain pharmacies often run out first because they serve the most patients. Independent pharmacies and compounding pharmacies may have stock when the big chains don't. They can also sometimes order directly from wholesalers with remaining inventory.
If you truly cannot find Nitroglycerin in any form, your doctor may consider prescribing an alternative nitrate like Isosorbide Mononitrate (Imdur) or Isosorbide Dinitrate (Isordil). These are in the same drug class and can help manage angina, though they work differently than a fast-acting sublingual rescue medication.
Even if you can't fill it today, keep your prescription active. Ask your pharmacist to put you on a waitlist or to notify you when stock arrives. Some pharmacies can also do partial fills and give you what they have on hand.
It's difficult to predict exactly when Nitroglycerin supply will fully stabilize. The FDA continues to work with manufacturers to address the shortage, and some new generic approvals may help in the future. However, because the root causes — few manufacturers, specialized production requirements — are structural, patients should be prepared for continued intermittent supply disruptions.
Staying informed is your best strategy. Bookmark our Nitroglycerin shortage update for the latest information, and use MedFinder to find the medication when you need it.
Nitroglycerin is a critical, lifesaving medication, and the ongoing difficulty in finding it is a serious concern. The shortage isn't your fault, and you're not alone in dealing with it. By understanding the causes, exploring all available formulations, and using tools like MedFinder, you can improve your chances of keeping this essential medication on hand.
If you're also concerned about the cost of Nitroglycerin, check out our guide on how to save money on Nitroglycerin. And for more information about the drug itself, read our overview: What is Nitroglycerin? Uses, dosage, and what you need to know.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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