What is isosorbide mononitrate?
Isosorbide mononitrate is in a group of drugs called nitrates. Isosorbide mononitrate dilates (widens) blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through them and easier for the heart to pump.
Isosorbide mononitrate is used to prevent angina attacks (chest pain).
Isosorbide mononitrate will not treat an angina attack that has already begun.
Isosorbide mononitrate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about isosorbide mononitrate?
Do not use isosorbide mononitrate if you are taking sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio). Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take isosorbide mononitrate while you are using sildenafil.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate, (Isordil, Dilatrate, Isochron), or nitroglycerin, or if you have early signs of a heart attack (chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling).
Before taking isosorbide mononitrate, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, or kidney disease.
Isosorbide mononitrate can cause severe headaches, especially when you first start using it. These headaches may gradually become less severe as you continue to use the medication. Do not stop taking isosorbide mononitrate. Ask your doctor before using any headache pain medication.
Isosorbide mononitrate will not treat an angina attack that has already begun.
Use isosorbide mononitrate regularly to prevent an angina attack. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Do not stop taking isosorbide mononitrate suddenly. Stopping suddenly could cause a severe angina attack.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking isosorbide mononitrate?
Do not use isosorbide mononitrate if you are taking sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio). A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate, (Isordil, Dilatrate, Isochron), or nitroglycerin, or if you have early signs of a heart attack (chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling).
To make sure you can safely take isosorbide mononitrate, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether isosorbide mononitrate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether isosorbide mononitrate 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 mononitrate can cause severe headaches, especially when you first start using it. These headaches may gradually become less severe as you continue to use isosorbide mononitrate. Do not stop taking the medication. Ask your doctor before using any headache pain medication.