Isosorbide 5 Mononitrate/Dinitrate

Isosorbide 5 Mononitrate/Dinitrate — Uses and Benefits

This medicine is used mainly for angina, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood supply to the heart muscle.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Prevention of angina (chest pain) attacks
• Long-term management of coronary artery disease along with other heart medicines
• Sometimes used to reduce workload on the heart in certain heart failure conditions, as decided by a doctor

HOW IT WORKS

• It relaxes and widens blood vessels, including those supplying the heart
• This improves blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle
• It also reduces the amount of work the heart has to do, lowering oxygen demand

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not used to treat a sudden heart attack that is already in progress
• It is not a painkiller for general body pain
• It is not used to lower blood pressure as a primary treatment
• It does not replace emergency treatment for severe chest pain — call for medical help immediately in such cases

How to Use Isosorbide 5 Mononitrate/Dinitrate

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time(s) each day
• Swallow tablets with a glass of water; do not crush unless your doctor or pharmacist says it is safe to do so
• Take with or without food, as advised
• Do not stop this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor, as it may worsen chest pain
• Sit down when taking the first few doses, as dizziness can occur

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep the container tightly closed
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Isosorbide 5 Mononitrate/Dinitrate — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache, sometimes severe in the first few days
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Flushing of the face and neck
• Weakness

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea or vomiting
• Fast heartbeat (palpitations)
• Low blood pressure, especially on standing up suddenly
• Blurred vision

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Fainting or severe dizziness
• Chest pain that gets worse or does not go away with rest
• Very slow or irregular heartbeat
• Signs of severe allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips, throat, or difficulty breathing
• Severe skin rash or peeling skin

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Isosorbide 5 Mononitrate/Dinitrate — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available in India only with a valid doctor's prescription.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to isosorbide mononitrate/dinitrate or other nitrates
• Have severe low blood pressure or are in a state of shock
• Have severe anaemia
• Have taken medicines for erectile dysfunction (like sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) recently
• Have increased pressure inside the skull (e.g., after a head injury)

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have low blood pressure or are prone to dizziness on standing
• Have a recent heart attack or heart failure
• Have liver or kidney disease
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Consume alcohol regularly

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Medicines for erectile dysfunction (PDE5 inhibitors) — can cause dangerous drop in blood pressure
• Other blood pressure lowering medicines
• Alcohol
• Certain medicines for heart conditions or migraine — inform your doctor about all medicines you take

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

Alcohol can increase dizziness and lower blood pressure further, so it is best avoided or limited; ask your doctor.

Will this medicine cure my heart disease?

No, it helps prevent and manage chest pain symptoms but does not cure the underlying heart disease.

Can I drive after taking this medicine?

• Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you, as it can cause dizziness.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.