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Angina is one of the serious causes of chest pain. “Angina” is an abbreviation of angina pectoris, a Latin term for “squeezing of the chest.” Chest pain is a common symptom caused by many different conditions. Some causes require prompt medical attention, such as angina, heart attack, blood clots i...
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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.
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:
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
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.
Do not use isosorbide dinitrate if you are taking sildenafil (Viagra). Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take isosorbide dinitrate while you are using sildenafil.
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.
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.
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