Studies of vasospasm. II. The use of nitroglycerin cigarettes.

It was discovered that smoking a cigarette containing nitroglycerin produced identical action on the peripheral pulses and relieved angina pectoris in the same way as sublingual administration. A group of 73 patients with various vascular conditions was subjected to 121 acute tests using a cigarette containing 0.0012 Gm (1/50th grain) nitroglycerin. Thirteen patients smoked cigarettes containing 0.0004 Gm (1/150th grain) nitroglycerin six to 20 times daily for periods up to two years. This method of using the drug assures frequent application of small doses and gives a nearly continuous nitroglycerin effect.