Isosorbide dinitrate
Isosorbide dinitrate is a prescription nitrate used to prevent angina, which is chest pain from the heart not getting enough blood. It is not used to stop an attack that has started, because it works too slowly. It must not be taken with erectile dysfunction medicines such as sildenafil. It should only be started or stopped on a doctor's advice.
Also known as: Isosorbide dinitrate tablet, ISDN, Isosorbide dinitrate 10 mg, Isordil, Sorbitrate
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Isosorbide dinitrate work?
Isosorbide dinitrate relaxes blood vessels, mainly veins. Less blood returns to the heart, so the heart works less hard and needs less oxygen, which reduces angina.
How to take Isosorbide dinitrate
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Your doctor decides the dose and the times of day, and may plan a break from the medicine each day so that it keeps working.
Side effects of Isosorbide dinitrate
Most people take it 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
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Fainting or very low blood pressure with severe dizziness
- Chest pain that is worse than usual or does not ease
- A heartbeat that is much faster or slower than usual
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking isosorbide dinitrate, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to isosorbide dinitrate or any ingredient of the tablet
- Taking sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil or riociguat
- 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 Isosorbide dinitrate
Isosorbide dinitrate can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal products 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
Taking extra tablets can cause a severe headache, dizziness, very low blood pressure, fainting, a fast or slow heartbeat and vomiting. If someone has taken much more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Isosorbide dinitrate is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act as a single ingredient. Fixed-dose combinations that contain it with other medicines may be treated differently, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Isosorbide dinitrate belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Isosorbide dinitrate
These medicines sold in India contain Isosorbide dinitrate. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Sorbitrate 10 · 10 mg tablet
What is Isosorbide dinitrate used for?
Medicines that contain Isosorbide dinitrate are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Isosorbide dinitrate.
Common questions
What is isosorbide dinitrate used for?
It is a prescription medicine used to prevent angina (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart). It is not used to relieve an attack that has already started. A doctor decides whether it suits you.
Can isosorbide dinitrate be taken with sildenafil or tadalafil?
No. Medicines for erectile dysfunction such as sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure with nitrates. The labels forbid the combination. Tell every doctor and pharmacist that you take a nitrate.
Why does isosorbide dinitrate cause headaches?
It widens blood vessels, including those in the head. Headache is the most common effect and often fades with regular use. Do not change the dosing times yourself to avoid it; speak to your doctor if it is severe or lasts.
Why is there sometimes a dose-free period each day?
Used continuously, nitrates lose effect over time (tolerance). The US label advises a dose-free interval of at least 14 hours a day for some forms. Your doctor sets the timing, so do not change it yourself.
Can I stop isosorbide dinitrate if I feel better?
Do not stop on your own. Feeling better can be because the medicine is working. Talk to your doctor, who decides whether any change is suitable.
Sources
- Isosorbide dinitrate tablets: prescribing information. DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- Isosorbide (isosorbide dinitrate and mononitrate). MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Side effects of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN). NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: C01DA08 Isosorbide dinitrate. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)