What is the maximum number of nitroglycerin tablets a person can take in 15 minutes if chest pain persists?

The maximum number of nitroglycerin tablets that a person can take in 15 minutes, if chest pain persists, is three tablets. This recommendation is based on the guidelines for the use of nitroglycerin in the management of angina pectoris. Nitroglycerin works by dilating blood vessels, which improves blood flow to the heart and alleviates the symptoms of angina.

When a patient experiences chest pain, they are advised to take one nitroglycerin tablet sublingually every five minutes. If the pain continues after the first tablet, it is safe to take a second tablet after five minutes. If there is still no relief after a total of 10 minutes (two tablets), a third tablet can be taken at the 15-minute mark. Beyond this, taking more than three tablets within 15 minutes could carry a risk of severe hypotension and other side effects due to excessive vasodilation.

It is necessary for patients to seek emergency medical attention if they continue to experience chest pain after taking three tablets within the 15-minute period, as this may indicate a more severe condition such as a myocardial infarction.