Isosorbide Mononitrate 20mg

Isosorbide Mononitrate 20mg — Uses and Benefits

This medicine is used mainly for the prevention and long-term management of angina (chest pain) in people with coronary artery disease.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

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

HOW IT WORKS

• Relaxes and widens (dilates) blood vessels, especially veins
• Reduces the amount of blood returning to the heart, lowering its workload
• Improves blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle
• Helps prevent episodes of chest pain before they start

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used to treat a sudden, ongoing heart attack
• Not a rescue medicine for immediate relief of an acute angina attack (fast-acting sublingual nitrates are used for that)
• Not used for general pain relief unrelated to the heart
• Not a substitute for other prescribed heart medicines like aspirin, statins, or blood pressure tablets

How to Use Isosorbide Mononitrate 20mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually by mouth with water
• Can be taken with or without food, unless your doctor advises otherwise
• Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew unless your doctor says it is fine
• Try to take it at the same time(s) each day to maintain steady effect
• Do not stop suddenly without asking your doctor, as this can worsen angina

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
• Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one
• If you miss doses often, tell your doctor

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep in the original pack until it is time to take it
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Isosorbide Mononitrate 20mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache (often the most common, especially when starting treatment)
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Flushing of the face
• Weakness or tiredness

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea or vomiting
• Low blood pressure, especially on standing up
• Fast heartbeat (palpitations)
• Skin rash

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Fainting or severe dizziness
• Very low blood pressure with blurred vision or confusion
• Severe allergic reaction — swelling of face, lips, throat, or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain that gets worse or does not go away
• Irregular or very fast heartbeat

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

Isosorbide Mononitrate 20mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India. Do not take it on your own without medical advice.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to isosorbide mononitrate or other nitrates
• Have taken medicines for erectile dysfunction such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil recently
• Have severe low blood pressure
• Have certain conditions like severe anaemia or increased pressure in the head (as advised by your doctor)

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 liver or kidney disease
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Are elderly, as you may be more sensitive to side effects

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Erectile dysfunction medicines (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) — can cause dangerous drop in blood pressure
• Other blood pressure–lowering medicines
• Alcohol, which can worsen dizziness and low blood pressure
• Other nitrates or nitrate-containing products

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this for sudden chest pain?

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

Can I drink alcohol with this medicine?

It is best avoided as alcohol can increase dizziness and lower blood pressure further.

How long do I need to take this medicine?

• This is usually a long-term treatment for heart disease, so continue as long as your doctor advises.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.