Drugs & Vitamins

Isosorbide Dinitrate Active Ingredients: Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sublingual and Chewable   Representative Names: Isordil, Sorbitrate Available Product Images: What are isosorbide dinitrate sublingual or chewable tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with isosorbide dinitrate? What side effects may I notice from taking isosorbide dinitrate? What should I watch for while taking isosorbide dinitrate? Where can I keep my medicine? What are isosorbide dinitrate sublingual or chewable tablets? (Back to top) ISOSORBIDE DINITRATE (Isordil®, Sorbitrate® Chewable/SL) is a type of vasodilator. It relaxes blood vessels, increasing the blood and oxygen supply to your heart. It relieves the pain you can get with angina. There are several different types of tablets and capsules. Each type has a special design, to give the most effective action. Sublingual (under the tongue) or chewable tablets can also provide prompt relief as soon as chest pain indicates the start of an angina attack. Isosorbide dinitrate can also help to prevent pain before activities that can cause an attack (such as climbing stairs, exercise, going outdoors in cold weather, or having sex). Isosorbide dinitrate is available as chewable tablets, or sublingual (under the tongue) tablets. Generic sublingual tablets are available, but not generic chewable tablets. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •anemia •glaucoma •head injury, recent stroke, or bleeding in the brain •liver disease •low blood pressure •previous heart attack •overactive thyroid •stomach or intestinal disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to isosorbide dinitrate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Sublingual and chewable tablets can be taken on an as needed basis. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Let the sublingual tablets dissolve under the tongue. Chew the chewable tablets well, to allow the medicine to be absorbed through the mouth. Make sure your mouth is not dry, saliva (fluid) around the tablet will help it to dissolve more quickly. Do not swallow whole. If you are treating an acute attack your symptoms should improve in 5 to 10 minutes. You can repeat the dose every 10 to 15 minutes for up to three doses. If you are not better after 3 doses and 20 to 30 minutes, contact your prescriber or health care professional or have someone take you straight to an emergency room. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew tobacco while a tablet is dissolving. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This only applies if you are taking tablets for prevention of angina on a regular basis. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose , take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with isosorbide dinitrate? (Back to top) •acetylcholine •alcohol •aspirin •beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems •histamine •medicines for colds and breathing difficulties •medicines for high blood pressure •medicines for mental problems or psychotic disturbances •medicines for pain •sildenafil (Viagra®) •tadalafil (Cialis®) •vardenafil (Levitra®) •water pills Viagra® (sildenafil), Cialis® (tadalafil), or Levitra® (vardenafil) should not be taken with this medication to avoid severe side effects including very low blood pressure and other complications. Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking isosorbide dinitrate? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •bluish discoloration of lips, fingernails, or palms of hands •dizziness or fainting •dry mouth •irregular heartbeat, palpitations •low blood pressure •skin rash •sweating •the feeling of extreme pressure in the head •unusual tiredness or weakness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •flushing of the face or neck •headache •nausea, vomiting What should I watch for while taking isosorbide dinitrate? (Back to top) Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking isosorbide dinitrate. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you feel your medicine is no longer having any effect. You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how isosorbide dinitrate affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Try to remain calm; this will help you to feel better faster. If you feel dizzy, take several deep breaths and lie down with your feet propped up, or bend forward with your head resting between your knees. If you are taking isosorbide dinitrate on a regular schedule, do not stop taking it suddenly or your symptoms may get worse. Ask your prescriber or health care professional how to gradually reduce the dose. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature, approximately 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:10/10/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.