Nitroglycerin ointment for treatment of chronic anal fissures
Application of a 0.2% nitroglycerin ointment may help heal a long-term (chronic) tear, or fissure, in the anus. You rub a pea-sized dot of cream on the fissure twice a day.
An increase in muscle tension, also called resting pressure, in the internal anal sphincter can lead to fissures. Spasms and reduced blood flow to the anus may occur along with the rise in pressure, causing fissures or keeping existing fissures from healing.
Several studies have found that nitroglycerin ointment heals chronic fissures in more than 60% of cases. In one study, fissures returned in 27% of people.1
Headaches are the main side effect of nitroglycerin ointment. One-third to one-half of the people in these studies had headaches. The risk of headaches and lightheadedness from low blood pressure is especially high if you use too much ointment at one time.
Some people also may experience itching or burning in the anal area. In some cases, people may develop tolerance to nitroglycerin, meaning that after a while the ointment no longer works to reduce muscle tension. Nitroglycerin ointment is being used less often due to low success rates and side effects.
People using nitroglycerin ointment have increased chances of having low blood pressure. So you should not use nitroglycerin ointment within 24 hours of taking Viagra (sildenafil).
| Author: | Ralph Poore | Last Updated: June 16, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine C. Dale Mercer, MD, FRCSC, FACS - General Surgery | |
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