Isosorbide Mononitrate tablet

What is this medicine?

ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE is a type of vasodilator. It relaxes blood vessels, increasing the blood and oxygen supply to your heart. It is effective in the long-term treatment of angina associated with coronary artery disease.

What should my health care professional know before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anemia
• dizziness or fainting spells when rising from a sitting position
• glaucoma
• head injury, recent stroke, or bleeding in the brain
• low blood pressure, or low blood volume
• previous heart attack
• overactive thyroid
• stomach or intestinal disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to isosorbide dinitrate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take isosorbide tablets by mouth. Take isosorbide mononitrate on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Take at regular intervals. Try to take your doses at the same time each day, and continue to take them even if you feel better. It can take several weeks or longer to see the full effects of this medicine. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose (less than 6 hours for regular tablets or 12 hours for sustained-release tablets), take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• acetylcholine
• alcohol
• aspirin
• beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems
• histamine
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for mental problems or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for pain
• sildenafil
• tadalafil
• vardenafil
• water pills

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking this medicine?

Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking isosorbide mononitrate. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you feel your medicine is no longer having any effect.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how isosorbide mononitrate affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not stop taking isosorbide mononitrate suddenly or your symptoms may get worse. Ask your prescriber or health care professional how to gradually reduce the dose.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• bluish discoloration of lips, fingernails, or palms of hands
• dizziness or fainting
• dry mouth
• irregular heartbeat, palpitations
• low blood pressure
• skin rash
• sweating
• the feeling of extreme pressure in the head
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• flushing of the face or neck
• headache
• nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.