Isosorbide-5-mononitrate belongs to the family of medications known as anti-anginals. This medication is used to prevent angina attacks associated with coronary artery disease. It is not useful for quick relief of an attack.
It acts by opening up the blood vessels that supply the heart, increasing the blood and oxygen supply to the heart. Isosorbide-5-mononitrate may reduce the number, length, and severity of angina attacks. Tolerance to exercise may be increased and the need for fast-acting nitroglycerin (tablets and spray) may be reduced.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
Is there any reason not to take this drug?
Isosorbide-5-mononitrate should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to isosorbide-5-mononitrate, other nitrates or nitrites, or any of the ingredients of the medication
- is in a state of acute circulatory failure associated with extremely low blood pressure (e.g., states of shock or collapse)
- taking sildenafil
- experiences dizziness, blurred vision, or loss of consciousness when rising from a sitting or lying position
- has increased pressure inside the head
- has myocardial insufficiency due to obstruction
- has severe anemia
What about possible side effects?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
More common:
- dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when rising from a lying or sitting position
- fast pulse
- flushing of face and neck
- headache
- nausea or vomiting
- restlessness
Although most of the side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare:
- blurred vision
- dryness of mouth
- headache (severe or prolonged)
- skin rash
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
What if I am taking other drugs?
There may be an interaction between isosorbide-5-mononitrate and any of the following:
- alcohol
- ergot alkaloids
- heparin
- medications that reduce blood pressure
- sildenafil
- tranquilizers
- tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine)
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
Other information:
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Because this medication may cause faintness or dizziness, use caution when driving or operating machinery, especially at the start of treatment.
Low blood pressure: Symptoms of severe lowering of blood pressure, such as weakness or dizziness, particularly when rising suddenly from a sitting or lying position, may occur. People who are prone to low blood pressure (e.g., those taking diuretics) should be cautious when using this medication.
Tolerance: With continued use, isosorbide-5-mononitrate may stop having beneficial effects because the body gets used to it (i.e., develops a tolerance). Call your doctor if at any time you feel that your angina attacks are getting worse or happening more often.
Withdrawal: Stopping this medication suddenly may occasionally aggravate chest pain or other symptoms of angina. To avoid possible withdrawal effects, this medication should be gradually reduced and not stopped suddenly.
Pregnancy: If you are or may be pregnant, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking this medication.
Breast-feeding: It is not known is isosorbide-5-mononitrate passes into breast milk. Speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication while breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children. Its use by this age group is not recommended.
Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience dizziness or lightheadedness while taking this medication.
Special Instructions:
The recommended adult dose of isosorbide-5-mononitrate is 1 tablet (60 mg) taken once daily in the morning after getting up. Your doctor may increase the dose to 2 tablets (120 mg) once daily in the morning if necessary. To reduce the risk of headache, your doctor may suggest starting with one-half tablet (30 mg) once daily each morning for the first 2 to 4 days.
The tablets should not be chewed or crushed, and should be swallowed together with half a glass of water. You may sometimes find whole tablets in the stool. These are only the shell of the tablet, and you can be sure that the medication has been released.
The tablets are available in a 30-day package that is designed to make it easy to keep track of your medication. 28 tablets are labeled with a day of the week. To start, take a tablet in the first row that matches the day you begin this pack. Then take a tablet on each of the following days to complete the 28 labelled tablets. The 2 extra non-labelled tablets should be taken after all the other tablets are gone.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that you take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Isosorbide-5-mononitrate should be taken at about the same time every day. If you miss a dose and remember within 6 hours, take your usual dose as soon as possible. Then go back to your regular schedule. If it has been more than 6 hours when you remember, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
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