Comparison of transdermal nitroglycerin therapy with previous long-acting oral or ointment nitrate therapy.

The charts of patients initially treated with long-acting oral or ointment (LAOO) nitrate therapy who subsequently used transdermal nitroglycerin (TNG) patches for the treatment of angina pectoris were reviewed to evaluate patient response, cost-effectiveness, and therapy preference. Fewer hospital admissions and emergency room visits were required during the period of TNG therapy than during the period of LAOO therapy. In addition, more patients reported improvement in angina status during TNG therapy, and a strong patient preference was noted for TNG treatment over the other forms of therapy. The cost analysis showed a trend toward a cost advantage for TNG therapy.