GTN Cream

Price of GTN Cream

The price of GTN Cream in Pakistan is Rs. 540

GTN Cream Uses

• Used for chronic anal fissures, small, painful tears at the opening of the back passage.
• Effective in relieving pain and spasm caused by a tightened internal anal sphincter muscle.
• Indicated for patients with anal fissures that have not responded to dietary and lifestyle changes alone.
• Helpful in reducing the pressure inside the anal canal, allowing the fissure to heal naturally.
• Approved for improving local blood circulation to damaged anal tissue, speeding up recovery.
• Chosen for patients who need a non-surgical option before considering sphincterotomy.
• Treats perianal pain and discomfort during and after bowel movements in fissure patients.

When Not to Use GTN Cream

• Patients with a known allergy to glyceryl trinitrate or any other nitrate medicines.
• Those with very low blood pressure or a history of severe hypotension.
• People taking phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil, or vardenafil, and combining them with GTN cream can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
• Patients with a recent history of stroke, head injury, or raised intracranial pressure.
• People with severe anemia.
• Those with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy or severe aortic stenosis.
• Individuals with pericarditis (inflammation of the heart lining)

Dosages of GTN Cream

• Adults: Apply a small amount of GTN cream to the affected area around the anus as directed by the doctor.
• Apply the cream twice daily, at 12-hour intervals, or as directed by your doctor.

How to use GTN Cream?

• Use a fingertip, a disposable glove, or a finger cot to apply the cream gently.
• Maximum duration of use: up to 8 weeks, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• GTN cream is for external perianal use only; do not insert it deeply into the rectum.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after every application.
• Children under 18: should only use GTN cream under direct medical supervision with a lower strength.
• Do not stop this cream suddenly without speaking to your doctor if symptoms persist beyond 8 weeks.

GTN Cream Side Effects

• GTN cream can cause both mild and serious side effects in some patients.
• Headache (the most common side effect, often dose-related)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Flushing of the face or skin
• Burning or stinging sensation at the application site
• Nausea
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
• Fainting, especially in elderly patients or when standing up quickly
• Skin redness or irritation around the anus
• Contact dermatitis at the application site (rare)
• Worsening headache requiring treatment withdrawal (in a small number of patients)

Drug Interactions

• Sildenafil (Viagra) and other PDE-5 inhibitors: Combining these with GTN cream can cause a severe, life-threatening drop in blood pressure; this combination must be avoided.
• Antihypertensive medicines: Blood pressure medicines may increase the hypotensive effect of GTN cream, raising the risk of dizziness or fainting.
• Tricyclic antidepressants: Medicines such as amitriptyline can worsen low blood pressure when used alongside GTN cream.
• Calcium channel blockers: Drugs like amlodipine or nifedipine may add to the blood pressure-lowering effect of this cream.
• Alcohol: Consuming alcohol while using GTN cream can increase the risk of dizziness, flushing, and a sudden drop in blood pressure.
• Other nitrate medicines: Using any other nitrate product alongside GTN cream increases the risk of headaches and severe hypotension.

Storage Conditions

• Store GTN cream at room temperature, below 25°C.
• Keep the tube away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture.
• Do not refrigerate unless the manufacturer's label specifically instructs you to do so.
• Always keep the tube tightly closed after each use.
• Keep GTN cream out of reach of children and pets at all times.