Description

Isosorbide dinitrate is a long-acting nitrate used to prevent and manage angina pectoris (chest pain due to coronary artery disease) and sometimes in the treatment of heart failure. It works by relaxing blood vessels, improving blood and oxygen supply to the heart.

Prescription

Prescription-only medicine (Rx).

Therapeutic Category

• Cardiovascular agent
• Anti-anginal / Vasodilator / Nitrate
  

Active Ingredients/Composition

• Isosorbide Dinitrate 10 mg (per tablet)
  

Vitamins

• None

Minerals

• None

Variant

• Available as oral tablets (5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg)
• Also available in sustained-release tablets/capsules and injectable formulations in some markets.
  

Consume Type

• Oral tablets (10 mg variant is usually immediate release).

Directions/Usage

• Dose and frequency depend on indication and physician’s recommendation.
• Typical use: 10–40 mg orally, 2–3 times daily.
• Should be taken on a regular schedule, with a nitrate-free interval (to avoid tolerance).
• Do not stop abruptly; tapering may be required under medical supervision.

Common Side Effects

• Headache (very common due to vasodilation)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially on standing – postural hypotension)
• Flushing
• Palpitations
• Nausea
  

Rare but serious: severe hypotension, syncope, or allergic reactions.

Package Type

• Usually supplied in blister packs or HDPE bottles, depending on manufacturer.
  

Storage Advice

• Store at room temperature (15–30 °C)
• Protect from light and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
  

Safety Advice

• Avoid alcohol (increases risk of hypotension).
  Not to be used together with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil/Viagra, tadalafil, vardenafil) due to risk of severe hypotension.
• Use with caution in patients with low blood pressure, hypovolemia, or certain heart conditions (e.g., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).
  
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use only if clearly prescribed.
• May cause dizziness – avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
  

Product Substitutes

• Isosorbide mononitrate (longer-acting nitrate)
• Glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin) (short-acting, used for acute angina)
• Other anti-anginal agents depending on condition (e.g., beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, ranolazine).
  

Manufacturer/Marketer

• Manufactured by multiple pharmaceutical companies worldwide (generic medication). Examples:
  • Sandoz
  • Teva Pharmaceuticals
  • Mylan
  • Sun Pharma
  • Local/regional manufacturers depending on country.
    

Country of Origin

• Originally developed in Europe (introduced in the 1960s).
• Now produced in many countries worldwide as a generic medicine.