Final answer:
The top two side effects of nitroglycerin (nitro) are headache and hypotension. These occur due to the vasodilation effect of the medication, which can cause widening of the blood vessels, leading to both symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The top two side effects of nitroglycerin, commonly referred to as nitro, are headache and hypotension (low blood pressure). Nitroglycerin is often used to treat angina (chest pain) because it dilates blood vessels, which can reduce the heart's workload and improve blood flow. However, the vasodilation effect can cause headaches as a common side effect due to the sudden widening of blood vessels. Hypotension is another common side effect for the same reason, as the widened blood vessels can lead to a drop in blood pressure.It is important for patients to be aware of these side effects and to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or persistent headaches after taking nitro. In contrast, effects such as increased heart rate, hypertension, and gastrointestinal issues like indigestion, heartburn, and nausea are associated with other medications or conditions, but are not typically the top side effects of nitroglycerin.