What are the two most common side effects of nitroglycerin?

Nitroglycerin is commonly used to relieve angina by dilating blood vessels, which reduces the workload on the heart. The two most common side effects associated with nitroglycerin use are hypotension and headache.

Hypotension occurs due to the vasodilatory effect of the medication, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. This effect can cause lightheadedness or fainting in some individuals, especially if they stand up quickly after taking the medication.

Headache is another frequent side effect as the dilation of blood vessels can also occur in the cerebral circulation, resulting in vasodilation and subsequent headache. This side effect is typically transient but can be bothersome for those who experience it.

Understanding the common side effects of nitroglycerin helps in managing patient care and providing education on what to expect when using this medication. The other options do not accurately capture the primary side effects associated with nitroglycerin use.