ISOSORBIDE DINITRATE

(Generic Name)

BRAND NAMES

Dilatrate-SR

Iso-Bid

Isordil Sublingual/Tembids/Titradose

Isotrate Timecelles

Sorbitrate, 5 mg

Sorbitrate, 10 mg

Sorbitrate, 20 mg

Sorbitrate, 40 mg

Sorbitrate SA, 40 mg

(Also available in generic form)

TYPE OF DRUG

Antianginal agent.

PRESCRIBED FOR

Relief of heart or chest pain associated with angina pectoris. It is

also used to control or prevent the recurrence of chest or heart

pain and to reduce heart work in congestive heart failure and

other similar conditions.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Isosorbide Dinitrate belongs to the class of drugs known as

nitrates, which are used to treat pain associated with heart

problems. The exact nature of their action is not fully

understood. However, they are believed to relax muscles of

veins and arteries.

CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS

If you know that you are allergic or sensitive to this drug or other

drugs for heart pain such as Nitroglycerin, do not use Isosorbide

Dinitrate. Anyone who has a head injury or has recently had a

head injury should use this drug with caution. Other conditions

where the use of Isosorbide should be carefully weighed are

severe anemia, glaucoma, severe liver disease, overactive

thyroid, cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), low blood

pressure, recent heart attack, severe kidney problems, and

overactive gastrointestinal tract.

PREGNANCY/BREAST-FEEDING

This drug crosses into the blood circulation of a developing baby.

It has not been found to cause birth defects. Pregnant women, or

those who might become pregnant while taking this drug, should

not take it without their doctors' approval. When the drug is

considered essential by your doctor, the potential risk of taking

the medicine must be carefully weighed against the benefit it

might produce.

This drug passes into breast milk, but has caused no problems

among bread-fed infants. You must consider the potential effect

on the nursing infant if breast-feeding while taking this medicine.

SENIORS

Older adults may take this medicine without restriction. Be sure

to follow your doctor's directions for use.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Flushing of the skin and headache are common, but should

disappear after your body has had an opportunity to get used to

the drug. You may experience dizziness and weakness in the

process.

There is a possibility of blurred vision and dry mouth; if this

happens stop taking the drug and call your physician.

Less common side effects include nausea, vomiting, weakness,

sweating, rash with itching, redness, possible peeling. If these

signs appear, discontinue the medication and consult your

physician.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

If you take Isosorbide Dinitrate, do not self-medicate with

over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, since many of them

contain ingredients which may aggravate heart disease.

Interaction with large amounts of whiskey, wine, or beer can

cause rapid lowering of blood pressure, resulting in weakness,

dizziness, and fainting.

FOOD INTERACTIONS

Take Isosorbide Dinitrate on an empty stomach unless you get a

headache which cannot be controlled by the usual means. If this

occurs, the medication can be taken with meals.

USUAL DOSE

Average daily dose, 10 to 20 milligrams 4 times per day. The

drug may be given in doses from 5 milligrams to 40 milligrams 4

times per day.

Sustained-release: 40 to 80 milligrams every 8 to 12 hours.

OVERDOSAGE

Isosorbide overdose can result in low blood pressure, very rapid

heart beat flushing, perspiration (later on, your skin can become

cold, bluish, and clammy), headache, heart palpitations, blurring

and other visual distrurbances, dizziness, nausea, vomiting,

difficult, slow breathing, slow pulse, confusion, moderate and

paralysis. Overdose victims should be taken to a hospital

emergency room at once for treatment. ALWAYS remember to

bring the medicine bottle with you.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

If you take this drug sublingually (under the tongue), be sure the

tablet is fully dissolved before you swallow the drug. Do not

crush or chew the sustained-release capsules or tablets.

Call your doctor if you develop a headache, dizziness, facial

flushing, blurred vision, or dry mouth.

If you take regular Isosorbide and forget to take a dose, take it as

soon as you remember, unless it is within 2 hours of your next

scheduled dose. If that happens, skip the dose you forgot and

continue with your regular schedule.

If you take long-acting Isosorbide and forget to take a dose, take

it as soon as you remember, unless it is within 6 hours of your

next scheduled dose. If that happens, skip the dose you forgot

and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double

dose.