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Isosorbide Dinitrate

 

Isosorbide Dinitrate (generic Isordil) Review

brand names: Isordil Titradose, Isordil, Sorbitrate
generic names: Chewable, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Isosorbide dinitrate, Sublingual

How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient isosorbide dinitrate, which is a type of medicine used to enable the heart to work more easily.

Isosorbide dinitrate works by releasing a chemical called nitric oxide. This chemical is also made naturally by the body and has the effect of making the veins and arteries relax and widen (dilate). This increases the space within the blood vessels and therefore reduces the resistance within the blood vessels, which makes it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body.

Widening the veins also decreases the volume of blood that returns to the heart in the veins with each heartbeat, and this makes it easier for the heart to pump that blood out again. As a result of both these actions, the heart requires less energy to pump the blood around the body and therefore does not need as much oxygen.

The medicine also widens the arteries within the heart, and this increases the blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle.

The pain of angina is caused by too little oxygen reaching the heart when its workload increases, such as during exercise. Isosorbide dinitrate makes it easier for the heart to pump blood and so decreases the amount of oxygen that the heart needs, as well as improving the oxygen supply to the heart. It can therefore be used to relieve the pain of an angina attack.

Isosorbide dinitrate is taken as a tablet that is dissolved under the tongue, or as a spray that is sprayed under the tongue. This area of the mouth has a large supply of blood vessels that allows the medicine to be rapidly absorbed. Isosorbide dinitrate taken in this way is used to give rapid relief from an angina attack, and can also be used to prevent an anticipated attack, for example before exercise.

Isosorbide dinitrate is also available as long acting tablets and skin spray that can be used regularly each day to help prevent angina attacks.

Most important fact about Isordil (Isosorbide)

Isordil may cause severe low blood pressure (possibly marked by dizziness or fainting), especially when you stand or sit up quickly. People taking diuretic medication or those who have low blood pressure should use Isordil (Isosorbide) with caution.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature, approximately 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Most important fact about Isordil (Isosorbide)

Isordil may cause severe low blood pressure (possibly marked by dizziness or fainting), especially when you stand or sit up quickly. People taking diuretic medication or those who have low blood pressure should use Isordil (Isosorbide) with caution.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It is not recommended for use during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
  
  
• The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
  
  

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Isordil (Isosorbide)

If Isordil (Isosorbide) is taken with certain other drugs, decreased, the effects of either could be increased, or altered.

Alcohol may interact with Isordil (Isosorbide) and produce a swift decrease in blood pressure, possibly causing dizziness and fainting.

Extreme low blood pressure (marked by dizziness, fainting, and numbness) may occur if you take Isordil (Isosorbide) with certain other high blood pressure drugs such as Cardizem and Procardia, as well as the impotence remedy Viagra.