What is isosorbide dinitrate?
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 is used to treat or prevent attacks of chest pain (angina).
Only the sublingual tablet should be used to treat an angina attack that has already begun.
Isosorbide dinitrate regular and extended-release tablets are used to prevent angina attacks but will not treat an angina attack.
Isosorbide dinitrate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about isosorbide dinitrate?
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.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket), 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 dinitrate, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, or kidney disease.
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 the medication. Do not stop taking isosorbide dinitrate. Ask your doctor before using any headache pain medication.
Only the sublingual tablet should be used to treat an angina attack that has already begun.
Isosorbide dinitrate regular and extended-release tablets are used to prevent angina attacks but will not treat an angina attack.
It is important to keep taking this medicine as directed to prevent an angina attack. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Do not stop taking isosorbide dinitrate suddenly. Stopping suddenly could cause a severe angina attack.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking isosorbide dinitrate?
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.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket), 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).
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take isosorbide dinitrate:
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether isosorbide dinitrate is harmful to an unborn baby. Before you take this medication, 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.