Isosorbide Dinitrate

About Isosorbide Dinitrate

Isosorbide dinitrate is used to treat chest pain (angina) and heart failure. It is available as a tablet, capsule, or an injection.

How does Isosorbide Dinitrate work?

Chest pain (angina) is when there is reduced oxygen and blood supply to your heart. This is caused by narrowing or hardening of the tubes that carry blood (blood vessels) to your heart.

Isosorbide dinitrate widens your blood vessels to increase the supply of blood and oxygen to your heart. This helps take care of the chest pain.

What are the side-effects I may experience?

You may experience:

• Feeling weak

• Dizziness

• Headaches

• Nausea

Useful information

You must keep taking your medication if these symptoms become a bother. Inform your pharmacist or doctor and discuss management of your side effects.

Are there any medications and foods I should avoid?

• You may eat normally while taking isosorbide dinitrate.

• It is not recommended to take alcohol when taking isosorbide dinitrate. Both substances can cause your blood pressure to drop (hypotension) and worsens dizziness.

• You should inform your doctor before taking sildenafil (viagra) or tadalafil with isosorbide dinitrate. They can increase the effect of isosorbide dinitrate on your body.

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you want to use any painkillers (aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen). These medicines can make your chest pain (angina) worse.

  Paracetamol is the safest pain killer.

I forgot a dose. What should I do?

If you forget to take your prescription, take it as soon as you remember.

If you miss a dose, don’t take a double dose.

If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and take the next one.

Can I drive or operate machinery?

Isosorbide dinitrate can cause dizziness and headaches. This can affect your reaction time. You must not drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy or nauseous.

Should I be bothered about possible addiction or dependence?

Isosorbide trinitrate isn’t addictive.

Will my sexual performance, fertility or contraceptive be impaired?

Isosorbide dinitrate hasn’t been shown to affect fertility, sexual performance or contraceptives.

If you have chest pain (angina), consult your doctor or pharmacist about taking contraceptives. Oral contraceptives can increase your risk of developing a heart attack or stroke.

Useful information

You won’t get a chest pain attack during sex. It is safe to exercise and have sex. You can take your isosorbide dinitrate before any physically intense activity.

Can I use this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

You should talk to your doctor if you are pregnant before taking isosorbide dinitrate.

The effect of isosorbide dinitrate on your baby is unknown. If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor or pharmacist before taking isosorbide dinitrate.