Which of the following statements best describes long-acting nitrate preparations?
Nitrates are generalized smooth-muscle dilators whose direct effect on the vasculature cannot be blocked by any currently available agents. Long-acting preparations of nitroglycerin may be completely degraded by the liver in some patients and thus are generally less effective than sublingual forms. Because individual variability in metabolism is considerable, doses should be titrated against side effects and should not conform to a rigidly standardized regimen. Tolerance is common and must be considered if a patient fails to respond to a previously efficacious dose. Long-acting preparations such as transdermal patches are less likely to produce the nitrate-associated side effects of headaches and dizziness that are the more rapidly acting sublingual forms. Ref: katzung 12th ed.
Tolerance often develops
Their effect can be blocked by high doses of beta selective inhibitors
Trasdermal patches are more likely to be associated with headaches than are sublingual nitrates
Oral preparations are more effective than sublingual ones
General pharmacology