What precaution should be taken when applying Nitroglycerin as an ointment?

Using nitroglycerin ointment involves specific precautions to ensure its effectiveness and minimize potential side effects. Rotating application sites is crucial because it helps prevent skin sensitization or irritation that could arise from repeated application to the same area. Consistently using the same site may lead to localized effects, reducing the absorption of the medication and possibly causing irritation or dermatitis.

This practice not only helps maintain the effectiveness of the medication by ensuring consistent absorption but also protects the skin integrity of the patient, allowing the skin to recover from any irritation or inflammation that may arise over time. In veterinary medicine, as well as in human medicine, attention to safe application methods is essential for the proper management of conditions requiring nitroglycerin treatment.

The other methods of application such as using bare hands or measuring dosage incorrectly, are discouraged as they can result in contamination, improper dosing, or insufficient application of the medicine. Covering the application with a bandage can also impede absorption and is generally not advisable. Therefore, rotating application sites is the best practice to maintain both efficacy and safety when using nitroglycerin ointment.