title: Influence of ethanol on the delivery of intravenous nitroglycerin solutions.
abstract: In order to evaluate the surface tension lowering effect of ethanol in intravenous nitroglycerin solutions of varying concentrations, drop size was measured in intravenous transfusion sets that should deliver 60 drops/ml. Ethanol 5% solutions led to a significant decrease in drop volume and a concomitant increase in the number of drops per unit volume, up to 79 drops/ml were observed. The surface tension lowering effect may account for decreases of up to 25% in delivered nitroglycerin when drop counting infusion pumps are used, and may be a factor in the development of apparent tolerance to intravenous nitroglycerin.
authors.affiliation: Heart Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Leor
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Feinstein
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Luria
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hod
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rabinowitz
mesh_terms: D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013500:Surface Tension
chemical_list: D000431:Ethanol; D005996:Nitroglycerin