Common use

Isordil is used for the treatment and prevention of angina caused by coronary artery disease because angina occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough blood. This medication is used before physical activities (exercise, sexual activity). Isordil belongs to a class of drugs called nitrates. This drug helps to relax and widen blood vessels and after taking Isordil blood can flow more easily to the heart.



Dosage and direction

The usual initial dose of Isordil is 5 mg to 20 mg, two or three times daily. For maintenance therapy it may be between 10 mg and 40 mg, two or three times per day is recommended. Some patients may require higher doses but it depends on their therapy and conditions. To minimize tolerance you need a daily dose-free interval of at least 14 hours. The optimal interval can be different because of the individual patient, dose and regimen. Sit down before using this medication. Isordil should be taken by mouth with a glass of water without food. It should be dissolved under the tongue and should not be crushed or chewed. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Take your medicine regularly. Do not take your medicine more often than directed, bigger dose that it needs and for longer period of time. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. In this way your symptoms may get worse. Firstly ask your doctor or health care professional.



Precautions

Severe hypotension, particularly with upright posture, may be caused by even small doses of Isordil. The patients who have hypertension, who may be volume depleted should take this drug with caution. Hypotension caused by Isordil may come together with paradoxical bradycardia and increased angina pectoris. Your doctor needs to know if you have previous heart attack or heart failure, an unusual or allergic reaction to isosorbide dinitrate, nitrates, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives, you pregnant or trying to get pregnant or you are breast-feeding.



Contraindications

Isordil is contraindicated in patients who have allergy to isosorbide dinitrate or any of its other ingredients although allergic reactions to organic nitrates are extremely rare, but they do occur sometimes.



Possible side effects

Severe headache is the most known side effect that can be caused by high doses. Also it can be lightheadedness, occasionally related to blood pressure changes. Hypotension can occur too, but in some patients it may be severe enough to stop the therapy. Syncope, crescendo angina, and rebound hypertension also can appear but they are not common. Isordil may cause a drop in blood pressure, causing dizziness, palpitations, and weakness. To prevent the risk of these side effects, patients should rise slowly from a sitting position. You should tell your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible if you have this side effects: bluish discoloration of lips, fingernails, or palms of hands

irregular heartbeat, palpitations, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, persistent headache, unusually weak or tired. Side effects that usually do not require medical attention but you have to inform your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome: flushing of the face or neck, rash.



Drug interactions

If you take Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra) together with Isordil it can increase the blood pressure lowering effects and may cause excessive blood pressure reduction. Do not take this medicine if you also take medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) like sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil, medicines for high blood pressure, other medicines for angina or heart failure.



Missed dose

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.



Overdose

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine call to a poison control center or emergency room at once.



Storage

Store at room temperature, approximately 25° C (77° F). Protect from moisture, light. Dispense in a light-resistant, tight container. Keep out of the reach of children. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.