FREMANTLE HOSPITAL & HEALTH SERVICE

Department of Pharmacy

Instructions to follow in case of Chest Pain

 

1.  Stop what you are doing;  Lie or sit down in the most comfortable position.

2.  Take several slow, deep breaths.

3.  Try to stay as calm as you can.  This is important because anxiety can cause your heart rate  to increase.

4.  If you have 'Anginine" tablets or 'Nitro-Lingual' spray, use these in the following way:

  • Take a dose ( which may be 1/2 or 1 tablet or one to two sprays ) under your tongue and wait 5 minutes for this to work.  ( If you have not used these medications previously or very infrequently, use 1/2 a tablet or one spray ).

  • If the pain is still present repeat this dose and wait 5 minutes.

  • Likewise, as in step 1, use 1/2 a tablet or one spray.

  • If pain or discomfort is still present, use a third dose and wait 5 minutes.

  • Dose may be increased to one tablet or 2-3 sprays.

YOU HAVE NOW TAKEN 3 DOSES.  IF PAIN OR DISCOMFORT   IS STILL PRESENT CALL AN AMBULANCE.

Remember to remain seated for about 15 minutes after the last dose of medication,   otherwise you may become dizzy and fall over.

 

GOLDEN RULES:

1.  If ever pain is SEVERE from the outset, call an ambulance immediately and the follow the   above instructions while you wait.

2.  Never drive or be driven to hospital when ambulance services are readily available,                ( Metro area and some country areas ).

Remember, it is better to come to hospital and be told it is not heart pain, than to stay at home until it is too late for us to use certain drugs in the early stage of a heart attack.

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