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 Drug Name
Isordil (Isosorbide dinitrate)
Drug Uses
Isordil is prescribed to relieve or prevent angina pectoris (suffocating chest pain). Angina pectoris occurs when the arteries and veins become constricted and sufficient oxygen does not reach the heart. Isordil dilates the blood vessels by relaxing the muscles in their walls. Oxygen flow improves as the vessels relax, and chest pain subsides.
In swallowed capsules or tablets, Isordil helps to increase the amount of exercise you can do before chest pain begins.
In chewable or sublingual (held under the tongue) tablets, Isordil can help relieve chest pain that has already started or prevent pain expected from a strenuous activity such as walking up a hill or climbing stairs.
How Taken
Swallowed capsules or tablets should be taken on an empty stomach. While regular tablets may be crushed for easier use, sustained- or prolonged-release products should not be chewed, crushed or altered.
Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly and held in the mouth for a couple of minutes. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or use chewing tobacco while a sublingual tablet is dissolving.
This drug's effectiveness is closely linked to the dose, so follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Isordil is prescribed to relieve or prevent angina pectoris (suffocating chest pain). Angina pectoris occurs when the arteries and veins become constricted and sufficient oxygen does not reach the heart. Isordil dilates the blood vessels by relaxing the muscles in their walls. Oxygen flow improves as the vessels relax, and chest pain subsides.
Missed Dose
If you are taking this drug regularly, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is within 2 hours--or 6 hours for controlled-release tablets and capsules--skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light.
Warnings/Precautions
You should use Isordil with caution if you have anemia, the eye condition called glaucoma, a previous head injury or heart attack, heart disease, low blood pressure, or thyroid disease.
If you stop using Isordil, you should follow your doctor's plan for a gradual withdrawal schedule. Abruptly stopping Isordil could result in additional chest pain.
Some people may develop a tolerance to Isordil, which causes its effects to be reduced over time. Tell your doctor if you think Isordil is starting to lose its effectiveness.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Isordil.
Headache is the most common side effect; usually, standard headache treatments with over-the-counter pain products will relieve the pain. The headaches associated with Isordil usually subside within 2 weeks after treatment with the drug begins. Do not change your dose to avoid the headache. At a dose that eliminates headaches, the drug may not be as effective against angina.
More Information
Because you can develop a tolerance to Isordil, your doctor may schedule a daily period of time when you do not take any drug.
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