What is a disadvantage of using nitroglycerin as a treatment?

The correct answer highlights two significant disadvantages of using nitroglycerin as a treatment, specifically regarding mitochondrial aldehyde inactivation and the development of tolerance in patients.

Using nitroglycerin can indeed make mitochondrial aldehyde inactive after continuous exposure. This inactivation can reduce the drug's effectiveness over time, which is a crucial consideration in therapeutic settings. Moreover, nitroglycerin is known to lead to tolerance, where patients may require progressively higher doses to achieve the same therapeutic effect. This tolerance can also manifest as persistent headaches, a common side effect associated with nitroglycerin use, making it uncomfortable for patients.

Thus, the presence of both these disadvantages—mitochondrial aldehyde inactivation and the development of tolerance—illustrates the challenges associated with nitroglycerin treatment, emphasizing the importance of carefully managing its use in clinical practice.