• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?
ISOSORBIDE DINITRATE (eye soe SOR bide dye NYE trate) is a type of vasodilator. It relaxes blood vessels, increasing the blood and oxygen supply to your heart. This medicine is used to prevent chest pain caused by angina. It will not help to stop an episode of chest pain.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.

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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• bluish discoloration of lips, fingernails, or palms of hands
• irregular heartbeat, palpitations
• low blood pressure
• nausea, vomiting
• persistent headache
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• flushing of the face or neck
• rash

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow whole. Do not crush or chew. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly or your symptoms may get worse. Ask your doctor or health care professional how to gradually reduce the dose.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) like sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• medicines for high blood pressure
• other medicines for angina or heart failure

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known hypersensitivity to isosorbide or any ingredient in the respective formulation.
• Manufacturers state that selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) are contraindicated in patients receiving nitrates. Complete avoidance may not be possible, provided sufficient time elapses between use of the drugs. (See Phosphodieterase Inhibitors under Cautions).
• Extended-release oral nitrate preparations should not be used in patients with functional or organic GI hypermotility or malabsorption syndrome.
• Isosorbide dinitrate is contraindicated in patients with shock or marked low blood pressure.

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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you feel your medicine is no longer working.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• previous heart attack or heart failure
• an unusual or allergic reaction to isosorbide dinitrate, nitrates, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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