General Information and Indications:
Isosorbide is used to prevent or treat chest
pain (angina). It works by relaxing the blood vessels to the heart, so the
blood and oxygen supply to the heart is increased.
This drug is sometimes ordered for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more details.
Information For Users:
Isosorbide comes as a regular, sublingual, chewable, and
extended-release (long-acting) tablet and extended-release (long-acting)
capsule to be taken by mouth. The tablet usually is taken every 6 hours. The
extended-release tablet usually is taken one or two times a day. The
extended-release capsule usually is taken every 8-12 hours. Do not crush,
chew, or divide the extended-release tablets or capsules. The sublingual or
chewable tablet is used as needed to relieve chest pain that has already
started or to prevent pain before activities known to provoke attacks (e.g.,
climbing stairs, sexual activity, heavy exercise, or being outside in cold
weather). The chewable tablet also may be used every 2-3 hours to prevent
chest pain. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your
doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take isosorbide exactly as
directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than
prescribed by your health care provider.
Isosorbide controls chest pain but does not cure it. Continue taking
isosorbide even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking isosorbide
without informing your doctor. Stopping the drug abruptly may cause chest
pain.
Isosorbide can lose its effectiveness when used for a long time. This effect
is called tolerance. If your angina attacks happen more often, last longer,
or are more severe, call your doctor.
If you are using isosorbide sublingual or chewable tablets for acute chest
pain, you should carry the tablets with you at all times. If you are taking
isosorbide and your chest pain is not relieved within 5-10 minutes, take
another dose. Call for emergency assistance or go to a hospital emergency
department if pain persists after you have taken three tablets (at
5-10-minute intervals) and 15-30 minutes have passed.
When an attack occurs, sit down. If you use chewable tablets, chew a tablet
thoroughly and swallow it. To use the sublingual tablets, place a tablet
under your tongue or between your cheek and gum and allow it to dissolve. Do
not swallow the tablet. Try not to swallow saliva too often until the tablet
dissolves.
Other uses for this medicine
Isosorbide tablets are also used with other drugs to treat congestive heart
failure. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this
medication.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to isosorbide; nitroglycerin tablets, patches, or ointment; or any
other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially aspirin; beta blockers such as
atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), labetalol (Trandate, Normodyne),
metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace),
and timolol (Blocadren); calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine (Norvasc),
diltiazem (Cardizem), felodipine (Plendil), isradipine (DynaCirc),
nifedipine (Procardia), and verapamil (Calan, Isoptin); dihydroergotamine (D.H.E.
45); sildenafil (Viagra); tadalafil (Cialis); vardenafil (Levitra); and
vitamins.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding low red blood cell counts
(anemia), glaucoma, or recent head trauma.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking isosorbide, call your
doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking isosorbide.
o you should know that this drug may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive
a car or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
o Inform your doctor if you consume large amounts of alcohol regularly and
ask about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking
isosorbide. Alcohol can make the side effects from isosorbide worse.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Side effects from isosorbide are common. Inform
your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o headache
o rash
o dizziness
o upset stomach
o headache
o flushing
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay:
o blurred vision (Impaired vision)
o dry mouth
o chest pain
o fainting
Brand Name(s):
o Dilatrate®-SR
o Imdur®
o Ismo®
o Isordil®
o Isordil® Titradose®
o Monoket®
Other Name(s):
o ISDN
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