When your doctor prescribes you a medicine for chest pain, you have a lot of questions about it, don't you? "What will this do?", "How do I take this?", "Are there any side effects?" Things like that. Today we are talking about Isosorbide Dinitrate, a special medicine that is given to prevent such heart pain, a condition medically known as angina . This will be very important for you.
What is this medicine called Isosorbide Dinitrate?
Simply put, Isosorbide Dinitrate is a medicine that prevents angina, the pain you experience in your chest. It works by widening (relaxing) your blood vessels. This reduces the effort your heart has to pump blood. It belongs to a class of drugs called nitrates .
The most important thing to remember is that this is used to prevent angina pain, not to treat sudden chest pain. Your doctor may have given you another medicine (such as a sublingual tablet) for sudden pain.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start this medication, it is very important to clearly tell your doctor about these things.
| Matter to be informed | Description |
|---|---|
| Pre-existing heart disease | If you have previously had a heart attack or heart failure. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to this medicine, other nitrates, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives. |
| Pregnancy | If you are pregnant or expecting a baby. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | If you are a breastfeeding mother. |
The medicine should be used in the right way.
How to take the medicine
Swallow this tablet whole with a glass of water. Use this medicine exactly as directed. Do not crush, crush, or chew the tablet. Take the medicine at the prescribed intervals, as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
Stopping the medication
This is very important: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may make your symptoms worse. If you stop taking the medicine, you should do so by gradually reducing the dose. Your doctor will explain how to do this.
If the dose is increased (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not delay.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with others. It can be dangerous.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications may interact with this medicine, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Drugs that should not be taken with Isosorbide Dinitrate and which should be taken with caution | |
|---|---|
| 🔴 Do not take these with anything (very dangerous) | |
| Medications for male sexual dysfunction (ED) | For example: avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil . Taking these together can cause dangerously low blood pressure. |
| Riociguat | This is also a drug that affects blood pressure. |
| 🟡 Tell your doctor if you are taking these. | |
| Medication for high blood pressure | Any other high blood pressure medication. |
| Other heart disease medications | Other medications for angina or heart failure. |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications, herbs, and vitamins you take. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Blood pressure and heart rate: Check your blood pressure and heart rate regularly while taking this medication. Ask your doctor what your normal values are and when you should notify him.
- Dizziness: This medication may cause dizziness. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Changing positions: To reduce the risk of dizziness and falls, don't jump from sitting to standing or from standing to sitting. Take your time before doing so. This is especially important if you are older.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can increase dizziness, flushing, and rapid heartbeat. So avoid drinking alcohol.
- Other illnesses: If you have a cough, cold, or body ache, ask your doctor before taking over-the-counter medications. Some medications contain ingredients that can increase your blood pressure.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
| Type of side effect | Possible symptoms |
|---|---|
| 🚨 If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor as soon as possible. | |
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of Methemoglobinemia | Severe headache, unusual weakness, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, blue skin or lips. |
| Increased pressure around the brain | Severe headache, blurred vision, vision changes, nausea, vomiting. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Slow heartbeat | Dizziness, fainting, confusion, difficulty breathing, unusual weakness. |
| Increased chest pain | Increasing pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, neck, back, or arms. |
| 🙂 It's usually not serious, but if it persists, tell your doctor. | |
| Headache | It is normal to experience a headache when you first start taking the medication. If it persists, tell your doctor. |
| Dizziness | Especially when changing positions. |
| Flushing | The face and neck area becomes red and feels warm. |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).
- Protect from moisture. So don't store it in places with high humidity, like the bathroom.
- Throw away expired medication.
Take-Home Message
- Isosorbide Dinitrate is a medicine given to prevent angina pain, not a medicine given immediately for sudden chest pain.
- Do not, under any circumstances , take this medicine with drugs for sexual dysfunction such as Sildenafil (like Viagra) or tadalafil. It can be life-threatening.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly without medical advice. Doing so may worsen your symptoms.
- Be aware of possible dizziness while taking the medication. Do it slowly when standing and sitting. Avoid drinking alcohol.
- If you take too much medicine, immediately go to the National Poisons Information Centre or the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
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