What is Minitran? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Minitran overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Minitran, Nitro-Dur

Generic Names:

  • Nitroglycerin

Uses:

  • Prevents angina. This medicine is a nitrate.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antianginal, Coronary Vasodilator

Forms:

  • Patch

How it’s taken:

  • Absorbed through the skin

What is Minitran used for?

Nitroglycerin is a prescription-only nitrate that is taken to treat or prevent the symptoms associated with angina including tightness, pain and pressure in the chest. Nitroglycerin works by widening the blood vessels to make blood flow easily.

What form(s) does Minitran come in?

  • Patch

What are common Minitran dosages?

  • Box 30 Patch 24 Hour

Minitran images - What does Minitran look like?

  • Minitran
    30 patch 24 hour box

How to take Minitran

  • Missed dose: Transdermal routeIf you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

  • Transdermal routeStore the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Transdermal routePut on a new patch if the old one has fallen off and cannot be reapplied.

  • Transdermal routeYour doctor will tell you how many patches to use, where to apply them, and how often to apply them. Do not use more patches or apply them more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • The skin patch is usually worn for 12 to 14 hours each day, followed by a patch-free period of 10 to 12 hours. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about how long to wear the patch.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Transdermal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.

  • Transdermal routeLeave the patch in its sealed wrapper until you are ready to put it on. Tear the wrapper open carefully. NEVER CUT the wrapper or the patch with scissors. Do not use any patch that has been cut by accident.

  • Transdermal routeThe patient instructions will show the body areas where you can wear the patch. When putting on each new patch, choose a different place within these areas. Do not put the new patch on the same place you wore the last one. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new one.

  • Transdermal routeDo not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated skin.

  • Transdermal routeLeave the patch in its sealed wrapper until you are ready to put it on. Tear the wrapper open carefully. NEVER CUT the wrapper or the patch with scissors. Do not use any patch that has been cut by accident.

  • The skin patch is usually worn for 12 to 14 hours each day, followed by a patch-free period of 10 to 12 hours. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about how long to wear the patch.

  • Transdermal routePut on a new patch if the old one has fallen off and cannot be reapplied.

  • Transdermal routeYour doctor will tell you how many patches to use, where to apply them, and how often to apply them. Do not use more patches or apply them more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Transdermal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.

  • Transdermal routeStore the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Transdermal routeDo not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated skin.

  • Missed dose: Transdermal routeIf you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Transdermal routeThe patient instructions will show the body areas where you can wear the patch. When putting on each new patch, choose a different place within these areas. Do not put the new patch on the same place you wore the last one. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new one.

What to do if you miss a dose of Minitran

Minitran contraindications - Who shouldn't take Minitran?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to nitroglycerin or skin patch adhesive.

Minitran warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also tell him if you had a heart attack or you have low blood pressure, heart failure, an enlarged heart, or other heart problems.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Severe low blood pressureWorsening of chest pain caused by an enlarged heart

  • Medicines that treat chest pain sometimes cause headaches. These headaches are a sign that the medicine is working. Do not stop using the medicine or change the time you take it in order to avoid the headaches. Ask your doctor if you can take aspirin or acetaminophen to treat the headache.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to remove the patch before certain medical tests.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. You may feel lightheaded when standing, so stand up slowly. Drinking alcohol may make these symptoms worse.

  • Transdermal routeFold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together. Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it. You will also need to throw away old patches after the expiration date has passed.

Minitran interactions & what to avoid when taking Minitran

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Transdermal routeFold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together. Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it. You will also need to throw away old patches after the expiration date has passed.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. You may feel lightheaded when standing, so stand up slowly. Drinking alcohol may make these symptoms worse.

  • Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to remove the patch before certain medical tests.

  • Medicines that treat chest pain sometimes cause headaches. These headaches are a sign that the medicine is working. Do not stop using the medicine or change the time you take it in order to avoid the headaches. Ask your doctor if you can take aspirin or acetaminophen to treat the headache.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Some medicines and foods can affect how nitroglycerin works. Tell your doctor if you are using blood pressure medicine or if you drink alcohol.

  • Do not use this medicine if you are also using riociguat, sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil.

Minitran side effects - How does Minitran make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Increased chest pain, fast or slow heartbeat

  • Severe headache

  • Severe or ongoing dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Sweating, warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

  • Rash or itching where the patch is worn

  • Mild headache