The following information is a summary about Ismo. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
What is isosorbide mononitrate?
Isosorbide mononitrate is in a class of drugs called nitrates. Isosorbide mononitrate dilates
(widens or relaxes) blood vessels (arteries and veins). When blood vessels are dilated, it is easier for
the heart to pump. Also, more blood, which is rich in oxygen, can flow to the heart.
Isosorbide is used to prevent angina attacks (chest pain).
Isosorbide mononitrate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What is the most important information I should know about isosorbide
mononitrate?
Use isosorbide mononitrate exactly as directed. Follow your doctor's instructions, especially
about the timing of your doses. Your blood needs to be free of isosorbide mononitrate for a certain
period every day.
You may develop a headache because of this medicine, but do not stop taking it. Take aspirin
or acetaminophen to treat the headache. Ask your doctor which is best for you. This side effect usually
goes away as treatment with isosorbide mononitrate continues.
Do not stop taking isosorbide mononitrate suddenly. Stopping suddenly could cause a severe
angina (chest pain) attack.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking isosorbide
mononitrate?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
-
have had a heart attack
-
have congestive heart failure
-
have low blood pressure;
-
have had a stroke, a transient ischemic attack (TIA, or
mini-stroke), or a serious head injury;
-
have anemia;
-
have an allergy to nitrates;
-
have closed-angle glaucoma;
-
suffer from migraines;
-
have kidney disease; or
-
have liver disease.
The conditions listed above may prevent you from taking isosorbide or you
may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your therapy.
Isosorbide mononitrate is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not
known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not take isosorbide mononitrate without first talking to
your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether isosorbide passes into breast milk. Do not take isosorbide
mononitrate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take isosorbide mononitrate?
Take isosorbide mononitrate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Isosorbide is usually taken first thing in the morning before breakfast. Follow your doctor's
instructions.
Swallow the extended-release forms of isosorbide mononitrate whole. Do not crush or
chew them. They are specially formulated to release medication slowly into your body.
Do not stop taking isosorbide mononitrate suddenly. Stopping suddenly could cause a
severe angina attack.
Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Isosorbide mononitrate
tablets must be stored in the container that your pharmacist gives them to you in. Throw away any
leftover isosorbide mononitrate on the expiration date. Expired isosorbide will not treat your condition.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you are taking the regular tablets (not the
extended-release tablets) and your next regularly scheduled dose is within 2 hours, skip the dose you
missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. If you are taking the extended release tablets
and your next regularly scheduled dose is within 6 hours, also skip the missed dose and take only your
next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of an isosorbide mononitrate overdose include a severe throbbing headache, difficult
or slow breathing, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, dizziness, fainting, an irregular
heartbeat, changes in vision, flushing, and seizures.
What should I avoid while taking isosorbide mononitrate?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Also, stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position. Isosorbide mononitrate may cause dizziness. If you
experience dizziness, avoid hazardous activities.
Avoid alcohol. It also widens your blood vessels and it can cause very low blood pressure,
dizziness and drowsiness and you could endanger yourself or others.
Do not stop taking isosorbide mononitrate suddenly.
Isosorbide mononitrate side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking isosorbide
mononitrate and seek emergency medical attention:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
blurred vision or dry mouth; or
-
irregular heartbeat;
-
fainting.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take isosorbide and talk to your doctor if you experience
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect isosorbide mononitrate?
Do not use sildenafil (Viagra), a drug used to treat impotence, while
taking isosorbide mononitrate. The combination could cause severe or life-threatening low blood
pressure.
Before taking isosorbide mononitrate, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following
medicines:
-
dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45); or
-
any other heart medicines, especially those used to treat
high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats.
You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your
treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Do not drink alcohol. Like isosorbide mononitrate, alcohol widens your blood vessels, and
it can cause very low blood pressure, dizziness, and drowsiness. If you combine isosorbide mononitrate
and alcohol, you could endanger yourself or others.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with isosorbide mononitrate or affect your
condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines.
Where can I get more information?
-
Your pharmacist has additional information about isosorbide mononitrate written for health
professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Isosorbide mononitrate is available with a prescription generically and under several brand
names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
-
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
