Isosorbide dinitrate

About isosorbide dinitrate

Isosorbide dinitrate is prescribed mainly to prevent angina pain from developing. Angina pain develops if part of your heart muscle does not get as much blood and oxygen as it needs. It is usually caused by narrowing of your coronary arteries due to a build-up of a fatty substance called atheroma. The narrowing makes it more difficult for blood to flow to your heart muscle.

Isosorbide dinitrate works in two ways. It relaxes blood vessels in your body (causing them to widen) and this reduces the strain on your heart, making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. It also relaxes and widens blood vessels in your heart (coronary arteries), which increases the flow of blood to your heart muscle.

Some isosorbide dinitrate tablets can also be used to provide quick relief of angina pain when it happens. They are also sometimes prescribed for people with heart failure (where the heart does not beat as efficiently as it should).

Before taking isosorbide dinitrate

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start isosorbide dinitrate it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have low blood pressure.

• If you have been told by a doctor you have low levels of iron in your blood (anaemia), or low levels of oxygen in your blood (hypoxaemia).

• If you have an underactive thyroid gland.

• If you have an eye condition called glaucoma.

• If you have recently had a head injury or a heart attack.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal or complementary medicines. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you are using any medicines to help treat erectile dysfunction.

How to take isosorbide dinitrate

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about nitrate medicines, and it will also provide you with a full list of side-effects which you could experience from taking isosorbide dinitrate.

• Standard tablets (sometimes called immediate-release tablets) are taken three or four times a day, with the last dose usually being taken no later than 6 pm. Longer-acting tablets (called modified-release or 'Retard' tablets) are taken twice daily, the first dose in the morning and the second dose mid-afternoon. Your doctor will tell you which type of tablets you are being supplied with, and your dose will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you about how to take them. You can take isosorbide dinitrate tablets either before or after meals.

• If you are taking modified-release tablets, you should swallow the tablet whole - do not chew, break or crush the tablet before you swallow. This is because the tablet is specially made to release the medicine in a controlled way.

• Try to take the tablets at the same times of day each day, as this will help you to remember to take your doses regularly. If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, take it when you remember. However, if it is nearly time to take your next dose when you remember, then leave out the forgotten dose and take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Modified-release isosorbide dinitrate tablets are not suitable to take to treat chest pain during an angina attack. Your doctor will prescribe you a short-acting nitrate for you to take if this happens. Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) is commonly prescribed for this.

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress

• The longer you take isosorbide dinitrate, the more your body can become used to it (called tolerance) and then it can have less of an effect. To avoid this, your doses may not be prescribed at equal intervals throughout the day. It is important that you follow the instructions your doctor gives you about when to take your doses.

• It is best not to drink alcohol while you are on isosorbide dinitrate. Alcohol will increase the risk of you experiencing side-effects such as feeling dizzy and light-headed.

• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, please remember to tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

• If you buy any medicines, please check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with isosorbide dinitrate.

Can isosorbide dinitrate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with isosorbide dinitrate.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store isosorbide dinitrate

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines