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Common brand names: Isosorbide mononitrate: Imdur, Ismo, Monoket
Isosorbide dinitrate: Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate
Why is isosorbide prescribed?
Isosorbide affects the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart, thereby
preventing and relieving chest pain (angina pectoris). It also is used to treat
congestive heart failure.
How and when should isosorbide be used?
Isosorbide is available in many forms (regular, sublingual, chewable, and
controlled-release [long-acting] tablets and capsules) and by many different
brand names. Follow the instructions on the prescription label carefully, and
ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain any part that you do not understand.
If you take isosorbide on a regular schedule to prevent angina but you
continue to have attacks, contact your doctor. NEVER stop taking it without
consulting your doctor. Stopping the drug abruptly can cause chest pain.
Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually. When taking this
medicine, take it exactly as directed by your doctor. It will work only if taken
correctly. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your
prescription.
What special instructions should I follow while using this drug?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and report any chest pain that you
experience. Isosorbide can lose its effectiveness over time. Contact your doctor
if you no longer get relief from your prescribed dose.
Follow your doctor's instructions to stop smoking, lose weight, rest, and
avoid situations that cause angina (such as heavy meals, emotional upsets,
strenuous exercise and cold weather).
Isosorbide may cause dizziness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous
machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
Do not take this medication if you are taking sildenafil (Viagra).
Be sure that you always have enough of this medication on hand. Check your
supply before vacations, holidays and other occasions when you may be unable to
obtain it.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
If you take isosorbide on a regular schedule, take the missed dose as soon
as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced
intervals. Do not take a double dose.
What side effects can this drug cause? What can I do about them?
Although side effects from isosorbide are not common, these can occur:
- Headache
If you take isosorbide on a regular schedule, take it with meals. If
headaches persist, ask your doctor if you may take aspirin or acetaminophen.
Do not take any medication for headache or change your dose without
consulting your doctor.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, faintness, and fast
heartbeat, especially while standing, when in a warm place, or if you get up
quickly from a lying or sitting position
Getting up slowly may help. Lie or sit down. Contact your doctor if these
effects persist or if you faint.
- Upset stomach, flushing of face and neck
Contact your doctor if this problem is severe or persists.
- Blurred vision, dry mouth, skin rash
Contact your doctor immediately.
- · If you experience any other side effects that you think could
be caused by this medication and/or are of concern to you, call your doctor.
What other precautions should I follow while using this drug?
Before taking isosorbide tell you doctor:
- If you have intestinal disease or if you ever have had a bad
reaction to nitrate medications (Cardilate, Duotrate, and Peritrate) for
chest pain
- What vitamins, herbals, dietary supplements, nonprescription
(over-the-counter), and other prescription medications you are taking,
especially high blood pressure medication, tranquilizers, and beta blockers
(atenolol, carteolol, esmolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol,
sotalol and timolol) Also inform your pharmacist.
- If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are
breastfeeding.
Ask your doctor for advice about the safe use of alcoholic beverages; alcohol
can worsen the side effects of isosorbide.
Never share your medication with anyone.
What storage conditions are necessary for this drug?
- Keep isosorbide in its original container with the lid tightly
closed.
- Store isosorbide at room temperature, away from excess heat or
cold.
- Keep it out of the reach of children.
- Never take outdated medications. Some medication prescription
labels list an expiration date. If such a date is not on your medication
label or if you are unsure how old a medication is, call your pharmacy.
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