Nitroglycerin is a 1,2,3-propanetriol trinitrate, an organic nitrate whose structural formula is

and whose molecular weight is 227.09. The organic nitrates are vasodilators, active on both arteries and veins.

The MINITRAN® (nitroglycerin) Transdermal Infusion System is a unit designed to provide continuous controlled release of nitroglycerin through intact skin. The rate of release of nitroglycerin is linearly dependent upon the area of the applied system; each cm2 of applied system delivers approximately 0.03 mg of nitroglycerin per hour. Thus, the 3.3, 6.7, 13.3 and 20 cm2 system delivers approximately 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mg of nitroglycerin per hour, respectively.

The remainder of the nitroglycerin in each system serves as a reservoir and is not delivered in normal use. After 12 hours, for example, each system has delivered about 14% of its original content of nitroglycerin.

The MINITRAN transdermal system contains nitroglycerin as the active component. The remaining components of the system (acrylate copolymer adhesive, fatty acid esters, and polyethylene backing) are pharmacologically inactive. Each unit is packaged in a heat-sealed foil pouch produced on line from a paper/foil/polyethylene laminate.