Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: ISOSORBIDE DINITRATE - SUBLINGUAL (eye-so-SORE-bide dye-NYE-trate)
BRAND NAME(S): Isordil, Sorbitrate
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: Isosorbide relaxes blood vessels allowing more blood to flow through. This reduces the workload on the heart and improves blood flow to the heart. Sublingual isosorbide tablets act quickly to relieve or prevent chest pain (angina).
HOW TO USE: At the first sign of chest pain, sit down and place one tablet under the tongue or between your cheek and gum allowing it to dissolve. The drug is absorbed directly through the lining of the mouth. Do not chew or swallow the tablet. Do not eat, drink or smoke while the isosorbide is in your mouth. Effects should begin in 2 to 5 minutes. If after 5 minutes there is no relief of chest pain, take another tablet. If there is no relief after taking three tablets in a 15 minute period, call your doctor immediately or go to a hospital emergency room. If you use isosorbide sublingual tablets to prevent an expected angina attack, you may place the tablet under the tongue 5 to 10 minutes before the stress or physical exertion that brings on the attack. This effect may last up to 1 hour. If you have been taking this medicine regularly for several weeks, do not suddenly stop using it. Stopping suddenly may bring on angina.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, dizziness, flushing, rapid heartbeat, or restlessness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. To prevent dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Notify your doctor if you experience: blurred vision, dry mouth, skin rash, nausea. Headache is often a sign the medication is working. Treat headaches with an aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever as recommended by your doctor. If the headaches continue or become severe, notify your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Congestive Heart Failure - Read about congestive heart failure symptoms like fatigue, abdomen, leg and ankle swelling, shortness of breath, sleeplessness, increased urination, nausea, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows