Sorbitrate 10: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects

What is Sorbitrate 10 used for?

Sorbitrate 10 is a prescription medicine. It is used, on a doctor's advice, to prevent angina in people with coronary artery disease.

• Preventing angina (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart) in people with coronary artery disease

How does Sorbitrate 10 work?

Isosorbide dinitrate is a nitrate. In the body it releases nitric oxide, which relaxes the muscle in the walls of veins and arteries. Blood vessels widen, less blood returns to the heart and the heart works less hard, so it needs less oxygen and angina is reduced.

What happens in your body after you take it

1. You swallow the tablet

   The tablet dissolves in the gut and isosorbide dinitrate is absorbed into the blood.

2. The liver changes it

   The body breaks it down into active forms that do much of the work and last longer.

3. It releases nitric oxide

   In the walls of blood vessels it gives off nitric oxide, a signal that makes the muscle there relax.

4. Vessels widen and the heart rests

   Veins widen most, so less blood returns to the heart. The heart does less work and needs less oxygen, so chest pain is less likely.

5. The body clears it

   The medicine and its products are removed mainly by the kidneys. Used without a break the body can become less responsive, so doctors plan the timing of doses.

How to take Sorbitrate 10

Take Sorbitrate 10 exactly as your doctor has prescribed or as printed on the pack. Your doctor decides the dose, the times of day and how long you need it.

• Follow the label or your doctor's advice about when to take it each day.
• Your doctor may plan a break from the medicine each day so that it keeps working. Do not change the timing on your own.
• It is used to prevent angina, not to treat an attack that has started. Ask your doctor what to do if you have an attack.
• Stand up slowly from sitting or lying down to avoid dizziness.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
• Do not stop taking it on your own; talk to your doctor first.

Side effects of Sorbitrate 10

Most people take isosorbide dinitrate without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.

Uncommon or mild

• Headache, often throbbing, especially when starting
• Dizziness or light-headedness, especially when standing up quickly
• Flushing of the face
• Nausea
• Tiredness or weakness

Who should be careful

Some people need to check with a doctor before taking Sorbitrate 10, or need extra care while taking it.

• Erectile dysfunction medicines such as sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil, and riociguat: never take together with this medicine
• Low blood pressure, dehydration or low body fluid
• Recent heart attack or heart failure: the label says use is not established and not recommended
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a thickened heart muscle): nitrates can make the chest pain worse
• Severe anaemia, or raised pressure inside the head
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: there is no adequate human data; ask your doctor
• Surgery or dental work: tell the doctor or dentist that you take it

Medicines and things that interact with Sorbitrate 10

Sorbitrate 10 can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies and medicines bought over the counter.

• Erectile dysfunction medicines such as sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil, and riociguat: the combination can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure and must not be used
• Alcohol: can add to dizziness and low blood pressure
• Other blood pressure medicines and medicines that widen blood vessels: blood pressure may fall too low

If someone takes too much

Storage

Store below 30 C in a dry place, in the original pack and protected from light and moisture, out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.

Regulatory status in India

Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient isosorbide dinitrate is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. This product is expected to contain isosorbide dinitrate only; check the pack.

Other brands with the same medicine

Isosorbide dinitrate 10 mg tablets are sold under other brand names and as generic medicines. They contain the same medicine; check the label for the strength and the form. Isosorbide mononitrate is a different medicine, so do not swap them without asking your doctor.

Other strengths and forms

Isosorbide dinitrate is sold in different strengths and forms, including tablets taken under the tongue. The strength and form are printed on the pack and are not the same across products, so check the label of the one you have.

Common questions