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Nitrates are a class of drugs that are mainly used to treat chest pain or conditions where
there is a lack of blood flow to tissues that require oxygen. Nitrates work by relaxing
the blood vessels so that the blood and oxygen supply to the heart and other tissues increased.
Nitrates share a few common side effects such as headaches, flushing, and dizziness. Some
examples of medications in this class are Isordil, also known as isosorbide dinitrate,
and Nitrostat, also known as nitroglycerin. Nitrates share a few common serious side effects,
including daily headaches. This could be a sign of effectiveness, so you should resist
the temptation to avoid headaches by changing the schedule of your treatment. Loss of headache
may be associated with simultaneous loss of drug efficacy. Nitrates can also cause extreme
dizziness. This effect may be more frequent if you have also consumed alcohol. If possible,
sit down when taking a nitrate use caution when returning to a standing position. Finally,
nitrates should not be used with certain drugs taken for erectile dysfunction because this
could result in a serious drop in blood pressure. It is always a good idea to ask questions
about your medication if you are unsure or if you experience something out of the ordinary.
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