Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE - ORAL (eye-so-SORE-bide mow-no-NYE-trate)
BRAND NAME(S): ISMO, Monoket
Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: This medication is a nitrate drug. It is used to prevent chest pain (angina) and reduce strain on the heart in patients with heart disease (coronary artery disease). Isosorbide mononitrate relaxes and widens blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. This medication will not relieve chest pain once it occurs. It is also not intended to be taken just before certain activities (e.g., exercise, sexual intercourse) to prevent chest pain. Other medications may be needed. Consult your doctor for details.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used in addition to other drugs to improve the symptoms of congestive heart failure (e.g., trouble breathing).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually twice daily, or as directed by your doctor. Take the first dose of the day upon awakening and the second dose 7 hours later. It is important not to change the times you take this medication unless directed by your doctor. During treatment, the long time period between the second dose on one day and the first dose on the next day is necessary to make sure the drug works well. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Although unlikely, when used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Contact your doctor if this medication stops working well (worsening or more frequent chest pain).
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting may occur as your body adjusts to this medication. Headache is often a sign that this medication is working; treat it with an aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever as recommended by your doctor. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: more frequent or worsening chest pain, flushing, unusually slow or fast heartbeat, fainting. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. 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.
- Dizziness - Read about the causes of dizziness including low blood pressure, anemia, dehydration, vertigo, medications, alcohol use, and pregnancy. Diagnosis and treatment information is also included.
- 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.
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