Isosorbide Mononitrate is a nitrate drug. It is used to prevent chest pain (angina) and reduce strain on the heart in patients with heart disease (coronary artery disease). Isosorbide mononitrate relaxes and widens blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. This medication will not relieve chest pain once it occurs. It is also not intended to be taken just before certain activities (e.g., exercise, sexual intercourse) to prevent chest pain. Other medications may be needed. Consult your doctor for details.
Take Isosorbide Mononitrate ER Tablets by mouth usually once daily upon awakening in the morning, with a half glass (4 ounces or 120 mL) of fluid. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets, which can destroy the long action of this drug and may increase side effects. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Although unlikely, when used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Contact your doctor if this medication stops working well (worsening or more frequent chest pain).
Headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness may occur as your body adjusts to this medication. Headache is often a sign that this medication is working treat it with an aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever as recommended by your doctor. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: more frequent or worsening chest pain, flushing, unusually slow or fast heartbeat, fainting. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Before taking isosorbide mononitrate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it to other nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) or nitrites or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: recent head injury (increased intracranial pressure), severe anemia, certain severe stomach/abdominal diseases (hypermotility, malabsorption). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low blood pressure, loss of body fluids (dehydration), certain heart conditions (e.g., cardiomyopathy, recent heart attack), current occupational exposure to nitrates, overactive thyroid. This drug may make you dizzy use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages and avoid overheating which can aggravate dizziness. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially dizziness and lightheadedness which could increase the risk of falls. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: persistent/severe throbbing headache, fast/slow/pounding heartbeat, fainting, trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, seizures.
Do not share this medication with others. Keep out of the reach of children. Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before taking the product.
Isosorbide Mononitrate should not be used with the following medications because very serious (possibly fatal) interactions may occur: drugs to treat impotence (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil). If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting isosorbide mononitrate. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs that lower high blood pressure (e.g., beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, "water pills"/diuretics), certain migraine drugs (ergot alkaloids such as ergotamine). This product can affect the results of certain lab tests (blood cholesterol level). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.