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Should I Visit The ER Immediately While Experiencing Facial Swelling, Warmth And Flushed Sensation In The Chest An Hour After Taking Nitroglycerin?
Question: Took first dose ever of sublingual nitroglycerin 0.4 about four hours ago for shortness of breath due to high blood pressure. Now my face and chest are warm and flush. Swelling on right side of face. Does this require ER? Can I take Benadryl? I have many allergies, worst is to iodine/shell fish.
Brief Answer:
Yes please go to ER
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Flushing of face is a known side effect of nitroglycerin. It gets better as the body adjusts to it.
Swollen face could be an allergic reaction.
Nitroglycerin side effects can be worse in presence of the anti-hypertensive medicines that cause vasodilation. Alcohol must be avoided.
If you have taken an anti-hypertensive medicine and nitroglycerine, then its better to go ER. Because shortness of breath and low BP will be better managed by them.
If there is not much of shortness of breath then we can visit doctor tomorrow.
Hope it helps.
Dr Vaishalee
Yes please go to ER
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Flushing of face is a known side effect of nitroglycerin. It gets better as the body adjusts to it.
Swollen face could be an allergic reaction.
Nitroglycerin side effects can be worse in presence of the anti-hypertensive medicines that cause vasodilation. Alcohol must be avoided.
If you have taken an anti-hypertensive medicine and nitroglycerine, then its better to go ER. Because shortness of breath and low BP will be better managed by them.
If there is not much of shortness of breath then we can visit doctor tomorrow.
Hope it helps.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
It is mostly flushing. Can I take Benadryl? I am not having low BP or shortness of breath. BP is slightly high.
Brief Answer:
Flushing is due to vasodilation
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
This flushing of face is due to dilatation of blood vessels caused by nitroglycerin. It will lessen as your body adapts to nitroglycerin. Its not worrisome.
If shortness of breath and swelling of face are bothering, then you can take Benadryl.
Dr Vaishalee
Flushing is due to vasodilation
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
This flushing of face is due to dilatation of blood vessels caused by nitroglycerin. It will lessen as your body adapts to nitroglycerin. Its not worrisome.
If shortness of breath and swelling of face are bothering, then you can take Benadryl.
Dr Vaishalee
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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