In chemistry, a nitrate is any chemical that contains an NO3- molecular group. In medicine, compounds containing nitrates have some pharmaceutical uses, although most nitrate compounds are toxic. The most common medicinal nitrate is nitroglycerine, which is a powerful vasodilator.
Nitrate compounds are often added to high blood pressure medication for African-Americans as these compounds have been shown to be more effective in this ethnic group in clinical trials.
In Moving the Chains, Foreman dosed Daryl with a nitrate to affect his stamina and eyesight to keep him from participating in an all-star football game and return to the hospital.