Nitroglycerin for Osteoporosis?

A Canadian trial showed favorable skeletal effects, but headaches are a concern.

Nitric oxide inhibits osteoclast activity, and intermittent use of nitroglycerin (NTG) can improve skeletal health outcomes in menopausal women. In a single-center blinded trial, Canadian investigators randomized 243 menopausal women (mean age, 62; 92% white) who did not have osteoporosis and were not taking medications known to affect bone-mineral density (BMD) to daily NTG ointment (15 mg) or placebo for 24 months.

In the NTG group, percent change in BMD from baseline gradually increased in magnitude during follow-up. At 2 years, compared with women who received placebo, those who received NTG experienced greater increases in lumbar spine BMD and total hip BMD relative to baseline (difference in percent change from baseline, 6.7% and 6.2%,…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Nitroglycerin for Osteoporosis?

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Reviewing Author