Isosorbide Dinitrate 20mg + Hydralazine 37.5mg

Isosorbide Dinitrate 20mg + Hydralazine 37.5mg — Uses and Benefits

This combination medicine is mainly used to treat chronic heart failure, especially in patients who cannot tolerate other standard heart failure medicines such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Long-term treatment of heart failure, in addition to other heart failure medicines
• Reducing symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue caused by heart failure
• Improving exercise tolerance in patients with heart failure

HOW IT WORKS

• Isosorbide Dinitrate widens veins, reducing the amount of blood returning to the heart, which eases the heart's workload
• Hydralazine relaxes the arteries, lowering resistance against which the heart has to pump
• Together, they reduce strain on the heart and improve blood flow

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not a painkiller and does not treat chest pain from other causes
• It is not used for immediate relief of acute angina attacks
• It is not a first-line treatment for high blood pressure alone
• It should not be used as a substitute for other prescribed heart failure medicines without medical advice

How to Use Isosorbide Dinitrate 20mg + Hydralazine 37.5mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually multiple times a day
• Swallow the tablet with water; it can be taken with or without food, unless your doctor advises otherwise
• Try to take it at the same times each day to maintain steady levels in your body
• Do not stop taking it suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this may worsen heart failure symptoms
• Avoid alcohol as it may increase dizziness and low blood pressure effects

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

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

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep the tablets in their original packaging until use
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack

Isosorbide Dinitrate 20mg + Hydralazine 37.5mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Flushing of the face
• Nausea
• Palpitations (fast heartbeat)

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Low blood pressure, especially on standing up
• Nasal congestion
• Joint pain or swelling
• Loss of appetite
• Fluid retention causing swelling in legs

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe dizziness, fainting, or blurred vision
• Chest pain that worsens or does not go away
• Signs of lupus-like reaction such as fever, joint pain, and skin rash (mainly with long-term Hydralazine use)
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Severe allergic reaction with swelling of face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing
• Irregular or very fast heartbeat

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

Isosorbide Dinitrate 20mg + Hydralazine 37.5mg — Safety Information and Precautions

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

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to Isosorbide Dinitrate, Hydralazine, or any other ingredients in the tablet
• Have severe low blood pressure
• Have had a recent heart attack with low blood pressure
• Are taking medicines for erectile dysfunction like sildenafil, as this combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure
• Have a certain type of heart valve problem or specific types of heart disease affecting blood flow, unless advised otherwise by your doctor

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have kidney or liver disease
• Have a history of lupus or autoimmune disease
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Have low blood pressure or are prone to fainting
• Have any heart rhythm problems

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Sildenafil, tadalafil, or other PDE5 inhibitors used for erectile dysfunction
• Other blood pressure–lowering medicines
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Other nitrate medicines
• Alcohol

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine along with my other heart failure tablets?

Yes, it is often used together with other heart failure medicines, but only as directed by your doctor.

Will this medicine cure my heart failure completely?

No, it helps manage symptoms and improve heart function but does not cure the underlying disease.

Is it safe to drive after taking this medicine?

• It may cause dizziness, especially when starting treatment, so avoid driving until you know how it affects you.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.