Isosorbide Dinitrate

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent or reduce chest pain from the heart. This is called angina.
• It can reduce symptoms of a weakened heart (fluid build up, shortness of breath) when used in combination with another agent called hydralazine. When used in this combination, it lengthens life.

How does it work?

• Isosorbide relaxes the pipes (veins) that take blood to the heart. This takes some of the stress off of the heart. It helps nutrients (oxygen and others) get to the heart.

How is it best taken?

• Take with a full glass of water unless fluids are restricted by healthcare provider.
• Swallow sustained-release type whole. Do not chew, break, or crush. Take dose(s) at a similar time every day. It works best if the 2 doses are separated by about 7 hours.
• Chew the chewable tablet well. Do not swallow whole.
• Take the sublingual tablet under the tongue. Let it dissolve.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Wear disease medical alert identification for heart disease.
• Do not use with sildenafil (Viagra®). The combination is dangerous and has resulted in death.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, liquor). May increase dizziness.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Lightheaded. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help. This usually goes away after taking the medicine regularly for a week or so.
• Flushing.

What should I monitor?

• Check blood pressure periodically.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe headaches.
• If chest pain or pressure lasts more than 15 minutes.
• Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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