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Rectogesic: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Rectogesic - General Information

A volatile vasodilator which relieves angina pectoris by stimulating guanylate cyclase and lowering cytosolic calcium. [PubChem]

 

Pharmacology of Rectogesic

Rectogesic, an organic nitrate, is available in many forms as a vasodilator. Rectogesic is used in the treatement of angina pectoris and perioperative hypertension, to produce controlled hypotension during surgical procedures, to treat hypertensive emergencies, and to treat congestive heart failure associated with myocardial infarction.

 

Rectogesic for patients

Daily headaches sometimes accompany treatment with nitroglycerin. In patients who get these headaches, the headaches may be a marker of the activity of the drug. Patients should resist the temptation to avoid headaches by altering the schedule of their treatment with nitroglycerin, since loss of headache may be associated with simultaneous loss of antianginal efficacy.

Treatment with nitroglycerin may be associated with lightheadedness on standing, especially just after rising from a recumbent or seated position. This effect may be more frequent in patients who have also consumed alcohol.

After normal use, there is enough residual nitroglycerin in discarded patches that they are a potential hazard to children and pets.

A patient leaflet is supplied with the systems.

 

Rectogesic Interactions

The vasodilating effects of nitroglycerin may be additive with those of other vasodilators. Alcohol, in particular, has been found to exhibit additive effects of this variety.

Marked symptomatic orthostatic hypotension has been reported when calcium channel blockers and organic nitrates were used in combination. Dose adjustments of either class of agents may be necessary.

 

Rectogesic Contraindications

Use of Transderm-Nitro (nitroglycerin) transdermal system is contraindicated in patients
using Viagra (sildenafil) because sildenafil may amplify the vasodilatory effects of
Transderm-Nitro resulting in severe hypotension.

Allergic reactions to organic nitrates are extremely rare, but they do occur. Nitroglycerin
is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to it. Allergy to the adhesives used in
nitroglycerin patches has also been reported, and it similarly constitutes a contraindication
to the use of this product.

 

Additional information about Rectogesic

Rectogesic Indication

For the prevention of angina

Mechanism Of Action
Similar to other nitrites and organic nitrates, nitroglycerin is converted to nitric oxide (NO), an active intermediate compound which activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase. This stimulates the synthesis of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) which then activates a series of protein kinase-dependent phosphorylations in the smooth muscle cells, eventually resulting in the dephosphorylation of the myosin light chain of the smooth muscle fiber. The subsequent release of calcium ions results in the relaxation of the smooth muscle cells and vasodilation.
Drug Interactions
Alteplase IV nitroglycerin decreases the effect of alteplase
Food Interactions
Avoid alcohol.
Generic Name
Nitroglycerin
Synonyms
TNG; NTG; NG; Nitroglycerine; Trinitroglycerin; Glyceryl trinitrate
Drug Category
Tocolytic Agents; Vasodilator Agents; Nitrates and Nitrites
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved; Investigational
Other Brand Names containing Nitroglycerin
Nitrospan; Nitrostat; Tridil; Transderm Nitro; Nitro-Dur; Nitrolingual Pump Spray; Natispray; Minitran; Nitronet; Nitrocap; Nitrong parenteral; Cellegesic; Rectogesic;
Toxicity (Overdose)
Increased intracranial pressure, with any or all of persistent throbbing headache, confusion, and moderate fever; Vertigo; Palpitations; Visual disturbances; Nausea and vomiting (possibly with colic and even bloody diarrhea); Syncope (especially in the upright posture); Air hunger and dyspnea, later followed by reduced ventilatory effort; Diaphoresis, with the skin either flushed or cold and clammy; Heart block and bradycardia; Paralysis; Coma; Seizures; Death.
Biotransformation
Hepatic, cytochrome P450 (P450) is a key enzyme of organic nitrate biotransformation
Half Life
3 minutes
Dosage Forms of Rectogesic
Solution Intravenous
Chemical IUPAC Name
1,3-dinitrooxypropan-2-yl nitrate
Chemical Formula
C3H5N3O9
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals