What is Isordil?

Isordil is an oral pill made up of an antianginal drug called isosorbide dinitrate. We carry the generic alternative to this medication in 5mg, 10mg, and 30mg!

What is Isordil used for?

Isordil is used to treat and prevent angina (chest pain), usually in patients with coronary heart disease. Angina is caused when the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen in the blood and often feels like a pressure or squeezing in your chest. Sometimes, the discomfort of angina can spread to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. This medication has been effective in treating angina since it was first FDA approved in 1959.  Additionally, this medication may be used to prevent heart failure.

How does Isordil work?

Isordil is effective in treating angina and other medical conditions due to its effect on the on the blood vessels, making them wider and allowing blood to flow more easy to ensure the heart muscle gets plenty of oxygen-rich blood.

Before using the Isordil tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a nitroglycerin sublingual tablet first. Follow the directions given by your doctor very carefully to achieve the most effectiveness.

To avoid dizziness, take this medication during a calm time; when you are able to rest and stay seated.

To prevent angina attacks, this medication must be taken at regular intervals (evenly spaced time periods in between doses).

To treat angina attacks, take this medication at the first sign of chest pain.

The sublingual tablet is not to be chewed, crushed or swallowed. To properly take this medication, place it under your tongue and let it dissolve slowly.

If you are taking the immediate release tablet; swallow whole.

If you are using the sublingual tablet; take it 15 minutes before doing an activity you suspect will cause an angina attack.

If you take this medication regularly and not as needed, do not suddenly stop treatment; doing so could cause a severe angina attack to occur.

Do not use Isordil (Isosorbide dinitrate)

If you are a patient who takes erectile dysfunction medications (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Stendra, Staxyn, sildenafil, avanafil, tadalafil, vardenafil); do not use Isordil. Mixing these medications together can cause your blood pressure to suddenly decrease to a seriously low level.

If you are allergic to isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, or nitroglycerin, you may want to consider an alternative medication.

If you experience signs of an early heart attack (such as chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating), you should not use this medication.

Do not use this medication if you are pregnant; only if the medicine is clearly needed and the benefit outweighs the risk.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

Before using Isordil, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart disease, kidney disease, or low blood pressure.

Risks

Taking too much of this medication can cause your condition to become harder to treat or could result in an overdose.

Some people have experienced allergic reaction after taking Isordil.

Other cautions

This medication may pass into breast milk; it has not yet been established. Avoid breast feeding until you have discussed the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Common side effects of Isordil (Isosorbide dinitrate) may include:

headache; or flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Isordil (Isosorbide dinitrate) may include:

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; worsening angina pain; fast or slow heart rate; or pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

overdose: severe throbbing headache, fever, confusion, severe dizziness, fast or pounding heartbeats, vision problems, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, trouble breathing, sweating, cold or clammy skin, fainting, and seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while using Isordil?

Using this medication may impair your thinking. You may want to avoid doing things like driving or other activities that require you to be fully alert and aware.

Can I drink alcohol while on this medication?

You should try not to drink alcohol while on Isordil. Drinking alcohol while taking isosorbide dinitrate can cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, feeling light-headed, or fainting to occur or worsen.

How should I store this medication?

Isordil is best stored in room temperature, protected from moisture, heat and light. The lid should be kept tightly shut when the medicine is not in use.

What is the average dose for an adult with angina?

The average dose for an adult with angina would be 5mg to 20mg, taken two or three times a day. This dose may be increased to10mg – 40mg taken two or three times a day.