Isosorbide Mononitrate

Isosorbide Mononitrate — Uses and Benefits

Isosorbide mononitrate is mainly used to prevent episodes of chest pain (angina) related to coronary heart disease.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Prevention of angina (chest pain) in people with coronary artery disease
• Long-term management of angina, taken regularly as advised
• Sometimes used along with other heart medicines for angina control

HOW IT WORKS

• It relaxes the smooth muscles in blood vessel walls
• This widens (dilates) veins and arteries, especially veins
• Widening of vessels reduces the amount of work the heart has to do
• Less workload means the heart needs less oxygen, which prevents chest pain

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not used to treat a sudden, ongoing heart attack
• It is not a rescue medicine for immediate relief of an acute angina attack (fast-acting nitrate forms are used for that)
• It is not used for high blood pressure treatment as a first-choice medicine
• It should not be used for pain unrelated to the heart

This medicine only works to prevent angina episodes when taken regularly; it does not cure the underlying heart disease. Your doctor will decide the right dose and timing based on your condition.

How to Use Isosorbide Mononitrate

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day
• Swallow the tablet with water; do not crush or chew unless your doctor says it is fine
• Take at the same time(s) each day to keep a steady effect
• Do not stop suddenly without talking to your doctor, as this can worsen angina
• Avoid alcohol close to your dosing time, as it can increase dizziness
• Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy after taking a dose

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

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

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep the tablets in their original strip or container
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use beyond the expiry date printed on the pack

Isosorbide Mononitrate — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache, which may be noticeable when starting treatment
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Flushing of the face and skin
• Nausea

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Weakness or tiredness
• Low blood pressure on standing up
• Fast heartbeat
• Blurred vision

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Fainting or severe dizziness
• Very low blood pressure with cold, clammy skin
• Severe or worsening chest pain
• Allergic reaction such as rash, swelling of face or lips, 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 Mononitrate — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India. Do not self-medicate or share your medicine with others.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to isosorbide mononitrate or other nitrates
• Have severe low blood pressure or are in shock
• Have severe anaemia
• Have raised pressure inside the skull (increased intracranial pressure) from a head injury or bleed
• Are taking medicines for erectile dysfunction such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil, or riociguat

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have low blood pressure or tend to feel dizzy on standing
• Have had a recent heart attack
• Have a heart valve problem such as aortic or mitral stenosis
• Have thyroid, liver, or kidney disease
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Are elderly, as you may be more sensitive to blood pressure effects

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Erectile dysfunction medicines (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) — dangerous drop in blood pressure
• Other blood pressure–lowering medicines
• Alcohol, which increases dizziness and low blood pressure risk
• Other nitrate medicines
• Certain medicines for pulmonary hypertension like riociguat

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine for sudden chest pain?

No, this form is for prevention, not for immediate relief; a fast-acting nitrate is used for sudden attacks.

Will this medicine make me dizzy?

It can cause dizziness, especially when standing up quickly, so rise slowly and avoid alcohol.

Can I stop this medicine on my own once I feel better?

• No, stopping suddenly can worsen your angina; always consult your doctor before changing or stopping the dose.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.