Nitroglycerin intravenous infusion.

The treatment of various cardiovascular problems with intravenous nitroglycerin is widely practiced though unapproved. The uses of iv nitroglycerin include improvement of the hemodynamics of left ventricular failure and cardiogenic shock associated with infarction, control of hypertension during coronary artery surgery, and possibly, reduction of acute myocardial infarct size. The popularity of this treatment in the absence of an FDA-approved commercial product has forced some hospitals to prepare the drug extemporaneously, and the advantages and disadvantages of preparation and storage techniques are presented.