Common use
Isordil is used for the treatment and prevention of angina caused by coronary artery disease because angina occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough blood. This medication is used before physical activities (exercise, sexual activity). Isordil belongs to a class of drugs called nitrates. This drug helps to relax and widen blood vessels and after taking Isordil blood can flow more easily to the heart.
Dosage and direction
The usual initial dose of Isordil is 5 mg to 20 mg, two or three times daily. For maintenance therapy it may be between 10 mg and 40 mg, two or three times per day is recommended. Some patients may require higher doses but it depends on their therapy and conditions. To minimize tolerance you need a daily dose-free interval of at least 14 hours. The optimal interval can be different because of the individual patient, dose and regimen.
Sit down before using this medication. Isordil should be taken by mouth with a glass of water without food. It should be dissolved under the tongue and should not be crushed or chewed. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Take your medicine regularly.
Precautions
Your doctor needs to know if you have previous heart attack or heart failure, an unusual or allergic reaction to isosorbide dinitrate, nitrates, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives, you pregnant or trying to get pregnant or you are breast-feeding.
Severe hypotension, particularly with upright posture, may be caused by even small doses of Isordil. The patients who have hypertension, who may be volume depleted should take this drug with caution. Hypotension caused by Isordil may come together with paradoxical bradycardia and increased angina pectoris.
Contraindications
Isordil is contraindicated in patients who have allergy to isosorbide dinitrate or any of its other ingredients, or allergic reactions to organic nitrates.
Possible side effect
Severe headache is the most known side effect that can be caused by high doses.
Also it can be: lightheadedness, occasionally related to blood pressure changes; hypotension, in some patients it may be severe enough to stop the therapy; syncope; crescendo angina, and rebound hypertension.
Isordil may cause a drop in blood pressure, causing dizziness, palpitations, and weakness. To prevent the risk of these side effects, patients should rise slowly from a sitting position.
You should tell your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible if you have this side effects: bluish discoloration of lips, fingernails, or palms of hands; irregular heartbeat; low blood pressure; nausea; vomiting; persistent headache; unusually weak or tired.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention but you have to inform your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome: flushing of the face or neck, rash.
Drug interaction
If you take sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra) together with Isordil it can increase the blood pressure lowering effects and may cause excessive blood pressure reduction. Do not take this medicine if you also take medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) like sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil, medicines for high blood pressure, other medicines for angina or heart failure.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Overdose
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine call to a poison control center or emergency room at once.
Storage
Store at room temperature, approximately 25 C (77 F). Protect from moisture, light. Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
