What is the maximum time interval between doses of nitroglycerin for anginal relief?

The maximum time interval between doses of nitroglycerin for anginal relief is 5 minutes. This recommendation is based on the pharmacokinetics of nitroglycerin, which acts as a rapid vasodilator to alleviate angina pectoris by increasing blood flow to the heart. In practice, if chest pain persists after the initial dose, patients are advised to wait for 5 minutes before taking another dose. This 5-minute interval allows time for the drug to take effect and for the patient's response to be assessed, reducing the risk of excessive hypotension or other adverse effects that might arise from administering doses too closely together. If chest pain continues after three doses (with 5 minutes between each), it's critical to seek emergency medical assistance, as this may indicate a more serious condition such as a heart attack.