Generic Isordil, sublingual tabs

Chemical Name: ISOSORBIDE DINITRATE

Common uses

This medicine is a nitrate used to treat and prevent angina (chest pain). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Do not take this medicine if you are also taking sildenafil. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. At the first sign of an angina attack, sit down and place 1 tablet under your tongue. Allow it to dissolve completely. Do not chew or swallow the tablet. Do not eat or drink anything while the tablet is dissolving. Repeat every 5 minutes until pain relief is obtained. Do not use more than 3 tablets in 15 minutes. If you still have pain after using 3 tablets, contact your doctor or go to the hospital emergency room.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. If you are using this medicine to prevent an angina attack and you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Cautions

This medicine may cause dizziness. Drinking alcohol will worsen this effect. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. If dizziness occurs, sit up or stand up slowly. This medicine may give you a headache or cause a burning or tingling in your mouth. These effects are normal. For men: do not take viagra (sildenafil) while using this medicine.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this drug is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when sitting or standing; headache; burning or tingling in mouth; fast heartbeat; or flushing of your face and neck. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience continuing chest pain; pain in neck, arm or jaw; excessive sweating; or vomiting. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include a persistent, throbbing headache; dizziness; confusion; weakness; sweating; changes in heart rate; changes in vision; flushing; nausea; and vomiting.

Additional information

This medicine loses potency quickly. If the medicine in an opened bottle does not relieve your symptoms, discard the bottle and obtain a refill. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.