Isosorbide dinitrate is in a group of drugs called nitrates. Isosorbide dinitrate dilates
(widens) blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through them and easier for the heart
to pump.
Isosorbide dinitrate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
Do not use isosorbide dinitrate if you are taking sildenafil (Viagra). Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take isosorbide dinitrate while
you are using sildenafil.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide
mononitrate (Imdur), or nitroglycerin.
Before taking this isosorbide dinitrate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or
if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use
isosorbide dinitrate, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether isosorbide dinitrate passes into breast milk or if it could harm
a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
Isosorbide dinitrate can cause severe headaches, especially when you first start using it.
These headaches may gradually become less severe as you continue to use isosorbide dinitrate.
Do not stop taking the medication. Ask your doctor before using any headache pain medication.
How should I take isosorbide dinitrate?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
If possible, try to rest or stay seated when you use this medication. Isosorbide dinitrate can
cause dizziness or fainting.
If you use isosorbide dinitrate to treat an angina attack: Use the medicine at the first sign
of chest pain. Place the sublingual tablet under your tongue and allow it to
dissolve slowly. Do not chew or swallow it. The chewable tablet should be
chewed and then held in the mouth for about 2 minutes before swallowing.
You may use additional tablets every 5 minutes, but not more than 3 tablets in 15 minutes.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or
capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body.
Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
Seek emergency medical attention if your chest pain gets worse or lasts more than 5
minutes, especially if you have trouble breathing or feel weak, dizzy, or nauseated, or
lightheaded.
It is important to keep this medicine on hand at all times in case of an angina attack. Get
your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
If you take isosorbide dinitrate on a regular schedule to prevent angina, do not stop
taking it suddenly or you could have a severe attack of angina.
Do not change brands of isosorbide dinitrate without the approval of your doctor.
Store isosorbide dinitrate at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.
Keep the medicine in its original container.
Throw away any leftover isosorbide dinitrate on the expiration date. Expired isosorbide
will not treat your condition.
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