What is isosorbide mononitrate?
It is a Nitrate that dilates (widens) blood vessels, making blood circulation more efficient and making your heart pump work more efficiently.
Isosorbide mononitrate can be used to help prevent the occurrence of angina (chest discomfort).Isosorbide mononitrate is not a treatment for angina attacks that have already started.
Warnings
You shouldn't use erectile dysfunction medications (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Stendra, Staxyn, Sildenafil, Avanafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil) in conjunction with isosorbide mononitrate. Combining these medications could result in a sudden and significant drop in blood pressure.
Seek medical attention in an emergency when you notice the first signs of an attack on your heart (chest tension or pain, pain that spreads into your shoulder or jaw, sweating, general unwell feeling).Take care not to stop this medication immediately. A sudden stop could result in angina attacks of severe severity.
Isosorbide mononitrate may cause severe headaches, especially when you first begin using it. The headaches will become less severe over time as you continue to take the drug. Don't take it off completely. Consult your physician prior to using any painkiller for headaches.Make sure to take this medicine on a regular basis to avoid angina attacks. Refill your prescription prior to the time you are completely out of medication.
Before you Take This Drug
You shouldn't use isosorbide mononitrate in the following situations:
- There is a risk of allergic reaction to mononitrate isosorbide, dinitrate, or nitroglycerin.
- You may be experiencing early warning signs of heart attacks (chest discomfort or pressure that spreads into your shoulder or jaw, nausea, sweating, and vomiting).
It is recommended not to use erectile dysfunction medications (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Stendra, Staxyn, Sildenafil, Avanafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil) when you are taking isosorbide mononitrate. Combining these medications can result in a sudden, severe drop in blood pressure.
To make sure that this medication is appropriate for you, consult your doctor if:
- Congestive heart failure;
- Kidney disease
- Low blood pressure.
It's unclear if this medicine could cause harm to a newborn baby, but animal studies haven't shown any harm. Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
It is unclear if isosorbide mononitrate gets into breast milk or whether it affects the nursing infant. Consult your physician if you are breastfeeding.
How to take Isosorbide Mononitrate?
Follow the exact dosage recommended by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Your doctor might alter the dosage. Be sure to not take this medicine in smaller or larger quantities or for longer periods than the recommended time. If you take too much isosorbide mononitrate, it could stop working effectively to control your condition.
Make sure to take a break or remain in a comfortable place when taking this medication (it may cause fainting or dizziness).Do not chew, crush, or break an extended-release tablet. Take it in whole.
There are a few variations and brands of isosorbide mononitrate that can be consumed the same amount of times each day. You might need to take the medication at least once a day at the beginning of the day, when you get up from bed. It is also possible to require another dosage later in the day.Follow your doctor's dosage instructions extremely carefully. If your doctor alters the strength, brand, or type of isosorbide mononitrate dosage, the dose you require could change. Consult your pharmacist if you have any questions regarding the new medicine you are receiving from your pharmacy.Take this medication regularly to avoid angina attacks. Make sure you refill your prescription before you are completely out of medication.
It is not advisable to stop taking isosorbide mononitrate in a flash, or you may suffer an attack of severe angina. Keep this medicine available throughout the day. Refill your prescription prior to the expiration date of your medication.Keep the bottle at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light. Make sure the bottle is tightly shut when not in use.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
You should take the dose you missed as quickly as you remember. Do not miss any doses if you are near the date of taking the following dose. You shouldn't be taking any additional medications to compensate for missing doses.
What Happens If I Overdose?
In case of medical emergencies, get urgent medical attention or call for assistance at the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222. A high dose of isosorbide mononitrate could cause death.
The symptoms of an overdose can include an intense, throbbing headache as well as confusion, fever, and severe dizziness. It can also be accompanied by fast or pounding heartbeats. It can also cause vision issues, nausea, vomiting, stomach bleeding, bloody diarrhea, sweating, trouble breathing, cold or clammy skin, fainting, or seizures (convulsions).
What Should be Avoided?
The medicine could affect your ability to think or react. Be cautious if you drive or engage in any activity that requires you to be alert. Be careful not to get up too quickly from a lying or seated position. You could be shaky. Make sure to get up slowly and steadily to avoid a fall.Do not drink drinks with alcohol. Alcohol may increase certain adverse effects associated with isosorbide mononitrate (dizziness and drowsiness, as well as fainting or feeling lightheaded).
Side Effects Of Isosorbide mononitrate
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing warning signs of an allergy reaction with isosorbide mononitrate, such as symptoms of hives, breathing difficulties, and swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face,
See your doctor right away if you are suffering from:
- Feeling lightheaded, like you're about to go into a coma.
- Worsening angina pain;
- Heart rate that is slow, fast,
- Heartbeats that beat at a high tempo or beat in your chest
Isosorbide mononitrate may result in severe headaches. The headaches can become less severe over time while you continue taking nitroglycerin. Don't take this medicine to prevent headaches. Consult your physician prior to using any painkiller for headaches.
Common side effects of isosorbide mononitrate include:
- Headache;
- Dizziness upon standing,
- Flushing (warmth or redness) or a tingly sensation.
There isn't an exhaustive description of the various negative consequences. There are other possibilities for this to happen. Ask your doctor medical advice about adverse effects. It is possible to report any adverse negative effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with Other Drugs
The combination of isosorbide mononitrate and other medications can result in severe low blood pressure. This is the case with medicines for erectile dysfunction and hypertension of the pulmonary arterial system. Life-threatening, serious side effects could be observed.
Discuss with your physician all the medicines you are currently taking and any new medications you begin or stop taking, particularly:
- Erectile dysfunction medications (including Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Stendra, Staxyn sildenafil, avanafil, the tadalafil brand, vardenafil, and others);
- A diuretic, or "water pill";
- Blood pressure medications, such as calcium channel blockers (such as Procardia and nifedipine);
- Nitroglycerin
- Riociguat (Adempas);
This isn't a complete list. Other medications can interact with isosorbide mononitrate, which includes prescription and over-the-counter medications such as vitamins and herbal products. The interactions of all potential types are not included in this guide to medication.
