Nitrates work by relaxing the walls of blood vessels, which makes them slightly wider. By relaxing the blood vessels on the surface of the heart, the heart can get more blood flow and oxygen. That helps to treat angina, which is caused by not enough blood flow getting to the heart.

Can you take nitrates daily?

The extended release form of ISMN is taken only once per day. This medication should not be given more than once per day. Transdermal nitroglycerin — Transdermal NTG (NTG patch) is a convenient type of long-lasting nitrate treatment. These patches deliver a constant dose of NTG.

Do nitrates help erectile dysfunction?

Heart patients are often treated with drugs called oral nitrates, such as Nitro-Dur and Isordil, in addition to other medications. Men on nitrates cannot take erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis because the combination can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure.