Medication names:
isosorbide dinitrate
(Dilatrate-SR, Iso-Bid, Isonate, Isorbid, Isordil, Isotrate,
Sorbitrate)
hydralazine (Apresoline)
isosorbide mononitrate (IMDUR)
Why these medications are prescribed:
The
combination of hydralazine (an arterial vasodilator that relaxes
arterial blood vessels) and a nitrate (a venous dilator that
relaxes veins) is used for patients who cannot take an ACE
inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker or for patients who
need an extra medication to control symptoms of heart failure. The
combination is indicated for African Americans with moderate or
severe heart failure already taking an ACE inhibitor.
When to take:
Follow the label directions on how
often to take the combination pill or each individual medication.
Generally, these medications are not taken at evenly spaced times,
but may be given with meals.
The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between
doses and how long you need to take the medication will depend on
your condition and whether you are taking the combination pill or
two separate medications.
Special directions:
- While taking these medications, have your blood pressure
checked regularly, as advised by your doctor.
- These medications may cause dizziness. Do not drive a car or
operate dangerous machinery until you know how these drugs affect
you.
Side effects and how to manage them:
- Headache--This is a very common occurrence as about 50% of
patients may have this side effect. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) as
soon as you feel a headache and take as prescribed on the bottle.
This effect may decrease over time.
- Rapid, irregular or pounding heartbeat; numbness or tingling of
the fingers or toes; loss of appetite and diarrhea--Your
doctor will probably prescribe additional medication to control
these side effects. If side effects persist, contact your doctor or
nurse.
- Upset stomach, flushing of face or neck--Contact your
doctor or nurse if these side effects are persistent or
severe.
- Fever, joint or chest pain, sore throat, skin rash (especially
on the face), unusual bleeding or bruising, weight gain, swelling
of the ankles--Contact your doctor or nurse right away.