Isosorbide Mononitrate + Aspirin

Isosorbide Mononitrate + Aspirin — Uses and Benefits

This combination medicine is mainly used in people with coronary artery disease to prevent episodes of chest pain and lower the risk of heart-related blood clot problems.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Prevention of angina (chest pain) in people with known coronary artery disease
• Long-term management of heart disease along with other medicines
• Reducing risk of clot-related heart events in selected patients

HOW IT WORKS

• Isosorbide mononitrate widens blood vessels, improving blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle and reducing the heart's workload
• Aspirin blocks a substance called thromboxane, preventing platelets from sticking together and forming clots
• Together they help keep heart blood vessels open and reduce clot formation

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used to treat a sudden, ongoing heart attack
• Not a quick relief medicine for an acute angina attack (sublingual nitrates are used for that)
• Not used for fever, pain, or inflammation despite containing aspirin
• Not a substitute for other prescribed heart medicines like statins or beta-blockers

How to Use Isosorbide Mononitrate + Aspirin

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day
• Swallow the tablet with water; take it with food if it upsets your stomach
• Try to take it at the same time(s) each day for best effect
• Do not crush or chew unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to
• Do not stop suddenly without talking to your doctor, as this can worsen chest pain
• Avoid alcohol as it can increase dizziness and low blood pressure

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it 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 a double dose to make up for a missed one
• If you miss doses often, set reminders or ask your pharmacist for tips

STORAGE

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

Isosorbide Mononitrate + Aspirin — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Flushing of face
• Mild stomach upset or heartburn
• Nausea

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Low blood pressure on standing up
• Fast heartbeat
• Weakness or fatigue
• Skin rash

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Signs of internal bleeding such as black stools, blood in vomit, or unusual bruising
• Severe stomach pain
• Fainting or severe dizziness
• Chest pain that worsens or does not go away with rest
• Signs of allergic reaction such as swelling of face/lips, difficulty breathing, or severe rash
• Ringing in the ears or hearing changes

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

Isosorbide Mononitrate + Aspirin — 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 nitrates, aspirin, or other NSAIDs
• Have severe low blood pressure or are in shock
• Have taken medicines for erectile dysfunction (like sildenafil) recently, as this combination can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure
• Have active stomach or intestinal bleeding
• Are a child or teenager with a viral infection, due to risk of Reye's syndrome from aspirin
• Have severe anaemia or a bleeding disorder

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have asthma or history of allergic reactions to aspirin
• Have kidney or liver disease
• Have a history of stomach ulcers or gastritis
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Have very low blood pressure or are prone to dizziness/fainting
• Are scheduled for any surgery, including dental procedures

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Sildenafil, tadalafil, or similar erectile dysfunction medicines
• Other blood thinners such as warfarin, clopidogrel, or heparin
• Other NSAIDs like ibuprofen or diclofenac
• Blood pressure lowering medicines
• Methotrexate
• Diuretics

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine for a sudden chest pain attack?

No, this is a preventive medicine; sudden attacks need fast-acting sublingual nitrate tablets or sprays as advised by your doctor.

Can I drink alcohol while on this medicine?

It is best to avoid alcohol as it can increase dizziness and lower blood pressure further.

Will this medicine thin my blood permanently?

• Aspirin's blood-thinning effect lasts for the life of the platelets affected, but it reverses gradually after stopping the medicine, usually within about a week.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.