RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Nitrates: the problem of tolerance JF Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin JO Drug Ther Bull FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 57 OP 59 DO 10.1136/dtb.26.15.57 VO 26 IS 15 YR 1988 UL http://dtb.bmj.com/content/26/15/57.abstract AB Nitrates are widely used for the prophylaxis and treatment of angina pectoris and for the treatment of heart failure. Their beneficial effects are attributed to their potent vasodilator action on veins and arteries. They all produce similar effects, but their duration of action and potency differ according to structure and formulation.1 All nitrates can induce tolerance - an attenuation of their effects against angina and heart failure. We review here how this occurs, whether it matters, and how it affects their use.