Isosorbide Dinitrate

About Isosorbide Dinitrate

This belongs to the group of medicines known as Nitrates.

Nitrates are used to treat and prevent the symptoms of angina (chest pain) and other heart conditions including heart failure.

Angina is pain or tightness of the chest caused by a lack of oxygen reaching the heart muscle. Nitrates work in two different ways. They widen the arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle and they relax the veins that return blood from the body to the heart. Together these actions allow more oxygen to reach the heart muscle and reduce the work of the heart. This lowers the overall strain on the heart reducing the risk of angina and relieving the pain associated with an acute angina attack.

Isosorbide Dinitrate can be used to treat an angina attack or can be taken before exercise or exertion to help prevent an attack. It can also be taken on a regular basis to prevent angina attacks.

Isosorbide Dinitrate is available in tablet, aerosol spray and injection form. It is also available as a modified release tablet which means it is released slowly to give a more even effect.

It is also sometimes known as: Angitak; Cedocard Retard; Isoket Retard; Isoket.. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Isosorbide Dinitrate

Before taking Isosorbide Dinitrate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure)
• if you have recently suffered a head injury or brain haemorrhage
• if you suffer from anaemia
• if you suffer from thyroid problems
• if you suffer from glaucoma
• if you are taking any products to help treat erectile dysfunction
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Isosorbide Dinitrate

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Your doctor will tell you when and how often you should take your medicine.
• Do not stop using this medicine without consulting your doctor.
• Aerosol Spray: Spray one or two sprays under your tongue while holding your breath. Close your mouth immediately after each spray. Leave at least 30 seconds between each spray.
• Modified release tablet: Swallow the tablet whole without crushing or chewing it. Take between meals.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue taking it at the usual times. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose, never take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Isosorbide Dinitrate contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Isosorbide Dinitrate.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Isosorbide Dinitrate.
• If your angina symptoms are not helped after using your Isosorbide Dinitrate product speak to your doctor.
• This preparation may cause dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs, which could be dangerous, if you were not fully alert.
• If you feel dizzy, particularly when getting up from a sitting or lying position, getting up slowly may help.
• Alcohol can make the dizziness worse. If you drink alcohol, drink only a little and be aware of its effect on you

Can Isosorbide Dinitrate cause problems?

Along with their needed effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your pharmacist or doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Throbbing headache, hot flushes, dizziness and fast or fluttering heartbeat.

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store Isosorbide Dinitrate

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS 2005   Updated: 21/01/2005