nitrates-oral chewable, Sorbitrate

BRAND NAME(S): Sorbitrate

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This medication helps to widen blood vessels so blood flows better. It is used to treat and prevent chest pain (angina).

HOW TO USE: These tablets are to be chewed thoroughly then swallowed with a glass of water. Do not crush the tablets before chewing them. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped.

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. 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. Notify your doctor if you experience: blurred vision, dry mouth, skin rash, nausea. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart problems, head injury or surgery, glaucoma, thyroid conditions, anemia, alcohol usage, drug allergies. Use caution engaging in activities that require alertness or in operating machinery if this medication makes you dizzy or drowsy. Alcoholic beverages may increase the risk of fainting or of experiencing dizziness. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious (possibly fatal) interactions may occur: drugs to treat impotence (e.g., sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil). If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting nitrates. Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you use, especially of: medication for blood pressure, certain drugs used for migraines (ergot alkaloids), high doses of aspirin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include throbbing headache, confusion, dizziness, perspiring skin, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, slow pulse, and loss of consciousness.

NOTES: Some persons may develop a tolerance to the effects of this medication over time. Notify your doctor if the medication appears to be losing its effectiveness or if the chest pain continues while taking this drug.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store medication in its original container only at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat, moisture and light. Do not store in the bathroom.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

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