Understanding Isosorbide Mononitrate: A Comprehensive Medication Profile
Summary or Key Points
Isosorbide mononitrate is a medication primarily used to manage and prevent symptoms of angina and certain heart conditions. It belongs to the nitrate class of drugs, and helps to increase blood flow to the heart. Side effects can include headaches, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Always consult your healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation. Telemedicine consultations are available for easy access to our expert care team.
Names of Medication
US Brand Name: Imdur (Isosorbide Mononitrate)
The term ‘generic name’ refers to the official medical name for the active ingredient in the medication, which is found in parenthesis. For example, Isosorbide Mononitrate is the generic name for Imdur.
Pharmacologic Category
Isosorbide mononitrate belongs to the class of drugs known as nitrates. Other medications in this category include Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitro-Dur), Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil), and Amyl nitrite.
Dosing
Isosorbide mononitrate is used to treat various heart-related conditions. It’s important to always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions or the directions on the label. For personalized advice and treatment plans, schedule a telemedicine consultation with one of our providers.
- Angina pectoris, Coronary artery disease, Stable angina, Variant angina (Prinzmetal’s angina), Unstable angina, Ischemic heart disease: Initial dose is typically 30-60 mg once daily. Your provider may adjust this based on your response.
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack): 30-60 mg once daily, with dose adjustments as needed.
- Congestive heart failure (in some cases): Dosing is individualized based on the patient’s condition and response to therapy.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Isosorbide mononitrate is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Tablet, Extended Release: 30 mg, 60 mg, 120 mg
- Tablet: 10 mg, 20 mg
Administration Instructions
Isosorbide mononitrate is usually taken once daily, in the morning. Extended-release tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or split. This medication is typically used on a regular schedule, and should not be used to treat an acute angina attack. If you have any questions about how to take this medication, consult one of our healthcare providers via telemedicine.
Adverse Reactions and Side Effects
Like all medications, Isosorbide mononitrate may cause side effects. Although not everyone experiences these, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
- Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): Headache, which is usually an indication of the body adjusting to this medicine and should become less frequent over time.
- Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when standing from a sitting or lying position. This is more likely to occur in the morning when the dose is increased.
- Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): Flushing, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience these or any other unusual effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Our telemedicine service offers convenient, immediate access to professional medical advice.
Adverse Reactions and Side Effects (cont’d)
- Very rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people): Rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, especially when getting up too quickly from a lying or sitting position, and heartburn.
- Not known frequency: Allergic reactions, hives, skin rashes, and severe chest pain (angina) particularly just after starting the treatment. If you experience these or any other unusual effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
If you experience any side effects or reactions, it is crucial to reach out to your healthcare provider. Telemedicine provides a convenient and quick method for discussing concerns with a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Isosorbide mononitrate plays a crucial role in managing angina and other heart-related conditions, offering relief and improved quality of life for many patients. However, like any medication, understanding how to take it properly, being aware of potential side effects, and having open communication with your healthcare provider can optimize its benefits while minimizing risks.
Our telemedicine service allows easy and immediate access to our healthcare providers who are here to guide you on your health journey. They can offer advice, adjust dosages, and provide comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs.
Never hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Patient care is our primary concern, and we’re here to assist you every step of the way, through the convenience of telemedicine.
Contraindications
‘Contraindications’ are specific situations where a drug, procedure, or surgery should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient. It’s crucial to understand and discuss any contraindications for a medication with your healthcare provider before starting treatment. Our telemedicine service allows you to conveniently consult our healthcare providers on these matters.
Isosorbide mononitrate is contraindicated in the following situations:
- Patients who are allergic to isosorbide mononitrate or any other nitrates or nitrites.
- Patients with severe anemia. Nitrates can cause low oxygen levels in the blood, which could be dangerous for people with anemia.
- Patients with a head injury or cerebral hemorrhage, as it can increase intracranial pressure.
- Patients with hypotension (low blood pressure) or uncorrected hypovolemia (low blood volume), as isosorbide mononitrate can lower blood pressure even further.
- Patients who are using certain medications for erectile dysfunction such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra), as combining these with isosorbide mononitrate can cause a severe drop in blood pressure.
Drug to Drug Interactions
Isosorbide mononitrate can interact with certain other medications. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication. You can also use our telemedicine service for quick access to our providers. Some of the notable interactions include:
- Erectile Dysfunction Drugs: Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), Vardenafil (Levitra) – these combinations can cause severe drops in blood pressure.
- Other Blood Pressure Lowering Drugs: like Amlodipine (Norvasc), Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), and Losartan (Cozaar) can have their effects increased by isosorbide mononitrate, leading to excessively low blood pressure.
- Alcohol can enhance the blood pressure-lowering effect of isosorbide mononitrate.
Isosorbide Mononitrate in Pregnancy
It is generally advisable to avoid isosorbide mononitrate during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Always consult your healthcare provider or use our telemedicine service for advice tailored to your circumstances.
Isosorbide Mononitrate while Breastfeeding
There is limited data on the safety of isosorbide mononitrate during breastfeeding. It’s always best to discuss your individual situation with your healthcare provider or consult with one of our telemedicine providers.
Estimated Cost of Medication
The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Isosorbide mononitrate without insurance, using a GoodRx coupon, is around $10-$15. Prices may vary based on the pharmacy and location.
Possible Alternatives
Alternative treatments and lifestyle changes may help manage the symptoms of heart conditions. These should always be discussed with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. You can schedule a telemedicine consultation with one of our providers to discuss these options:
- Angina and Heart Disease: Regular exercise, balanced diet, cessation of smoking, and reducing stress.
- Stable and Unstable Angina: Medications such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, and procedures such as angioplasty and stenting or coronary bypass surgery.
- Heart Attack and Congestive Heart Failure: Lifestyle changes like healthy diet, regular physical activity, and medications including ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics.
Recent Updates on Isosorbide Mononitrate Research
Recent research on Isosorbide mononitrate indicates its potential effectiveness in treating other conditions like pulmonary hypertension, a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in your lungs and the right side of your heart. Studies are also ongoing about its use in combination with other drugs to better manage heart failure. Always consult with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine professionals about the most recent research and how it might apply to your condition.
Brief 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.
Brief 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.