Brand Names: Dilatrate-SR, Isochron, Isordil Titradose

Generic Name: isosorbide dinitrate (Pronunciation: EYE soe SOR bide dye NYE trate)

• What is isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)?
• What are the possible side effects of isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)?
• What is the most important information I should know about isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)?
• How should I take isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Isordil)?
• What happens if I overdose (Isordil)?
• What should I avoid while taking isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)?
• What other drugs will affect isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)?

Isosorbide dinitrate is in a group of drugs called nitrates. Isosorbide dinitrate dilates (widens) blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through them and easier for the heart to pump.

Isosorbide dinitrate is used to treat or prevent attacks of chest pain (angina).

Only the sublingual tablet should be used to treat an angina attack that has already begun.

Isosorbide dinitrate regular and extended-release tablets are used to prevent angina attacks but will not treat an angina attack.

Isosorbide dinitrate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Isordil 40 mg

round, green, imprinted with WYETH 4192

Isosorbide 10 mg-GG

round, white, imprinted with GG 26

Isosorbide 10 mg-PAR

round, white, imprinted with par 021

Isosorbide 20 mg-GG

round, green, imprinted with GG 227

Isosorbide 30 mg-PAR

round, blue, imprinted with par 009

Isosorbide Dinitrate 10 mg-MAJ

round, white, imprinted with W W, 771

Isosorbide Dinitrate 2.5 mg SL-WES

round, yellow, imprinted with W1

Isosorbide Dinitrate 20 mg-PAR

round, green, imprinted with par 022

Isosorbide Dinitrate 20 mg-WES

round, green, imprinted with 772, W W, WW

Isosorbide Dinitrate 40 mg ER-INW

round, peach, imprinted with 3613 IL

Isosorbide Dinitrate 5 mg SL-WES

round, white, imprinted with W3

Isosorbide Dinitrate 5 mg-GG

round, pink, imprinted with GG 259

Isosorbide Dinitrate 5 mg-WES

round, white, imprinted with West-Ward 769

What are the possible side effects of isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heart rate;
• worsening angina pain;
• blurred vision or dry mouth;
• nausea, vomiting, sweating, pale skin, feeling like you might pass out; or
• blue-colored skin, tiredness, and feeling short of breath.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

• headache, mild dizziness;
• weakness; or
• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Isordil (isosorbide dinitrate) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket), or nitroglycerin, or if you have early signs of a heart attack (chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling).

Before taking isosorbide dinitrate, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, or kidney disease.

Isosorbide dinitrate can cause severe headaches, especially when you first start using it. These headaches may gradually become less severe as you continue to use the medication. Do not stop taking isosorbide dinitrate. Ask your doctor before using any headache pain medication.

Only the sublingual tablet should be used to treat an angina attack that has already begun.

Isosorbide dinitrate regular and extended-release tablets are used to prevent angina attacks but will not treat an angina attack.

It is important to keep taking this medicine as directed to prevent an angina attack. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Do not stop taking isosorbide dinitrate suddenly. Stopping suddenly could cause a severe angina attack.