The Kingsley Clinic

Isosorbide Dinitrate: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

US Brand Name: {Isordil}, {Dilatrate-SR} (Isosorbide Dinitrate)

Pharmacologic Category:

{Nitrates}

Other medications in the same pharmacologic category: {Nitroglycerin}, {Isosorbide mononitrate}, and {Amyl nitrite}.

Diseases Treated, Dosing, and Treatment Duration:

{Stable angina pectoris}: 5-20 mg sublingually or orally every 5-6 hours, up to 120 mg/day in divided doses
{Unstable angina}: 5-20 mg sublingually or orally every 5-6 hours, up to 120 mg/day in divided doses
{Variant angina} (Prinzmetal’s angina): 5-20 mg sublingually or orally every 5-6 hours, up to 120 mg/day in divided doses
{Microvascular angina}: 5-20 mg sublingually or orally every 5-6 hours, up to 120 mg/day in divided doses
{Chronic stable heart failure} (as an adjunct therapy): 5-20 mg sublingually or orally every 5-6 hours, up to 120 mg/day in divided doses
{Acute myocardial infarction} (off-label use): 5-20 mg sublingually or orally every 5-6 hours, up to 120 mg/day in divided doses
{Pulmonary hypertension} (off-label use): 5-20 mg sublingually or orally every 5-6 hours, up to 120 mg/day in divided doses

Dosage Forms and Strengths:

Sublingual tablet: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg Oral tablet: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg Extended-release capsule: 40 mg

Administration Instructions:

Take the medication as directed by your healthcare provider, usually every 5-6 hours. Sublingual tablets should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. Extended-release capsules should not be crushed, chewed, or split. Swallow the capsule whole.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects:

{Headache} (common): A painful sensation in the head. {Dizziness} (common): Feeling lightheaded or unsteady. {Flushing} (less common): Redness or warmth in the face or neck. {Low blood pressure} (hypotension) (less common): Abnormally low blood pressure levels. {Fainting} (syncope) (rare): Temporary loss of consciousness due to insufficient blood flow to the brain.

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to isosorbide dinitrate or other nitrates Concurrent use of PDE-5 inhibitors (e.g., {sildenafil} [Viagra], {tadalafil} [Cialis], {vardenafil} [Levitra])

Drug-to-Drug Interactions:

{Sildenafil} (Viagra): Can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure when used pressure when used together.
{Tadalafil} (Cialis): Can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure when used together.
{Vardenafil} (Levitra): Can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure when used together.

Pregnancy:

Isosorbide dinitrate is classified as Pregnancy Category B. Animal studies have not demonstrated any harm to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Consult your healthcare provider before using this medication during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding:

There is limited information on the excretion of isosorbide dinitrate in human milk. Consult your healthcare provider before using this medication while breastfeeding.

Estimated price for a 30-day supply:

The estimated price of a 30-day supply of Isosorbide Dinitrate varies depending on the dose and form. Using a GoodRx coupon, the price ranges from $15 to $60. Prices may vary depending on location and specific pharmacy.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.

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