Imdur
Generic Name: Isosorbide mononitrate
Brand Name: Imdur
Indications
Isosorbide mononitrate tablets are indicated for the prevention of angina pectoris due to coronary artery disease.
Dosage and Administration
Imdur tablet contains 20 mg of isosorbide mononitrate. Imdur tablets contain 30 mg, 60 mg, or 120 mg of isosorbide mononitrate in an extended-release formulation.
Normal Dosage
The recommended regimen of isosorbide mononitrate tablets is 20 mg (one tablet) twice daily, with the two doses given seven hours apart. For most patients, this can be accomplished by taking the first dose on awakening and the second dose 7 hours later.
Overdose: Overdose symptoms include a severe throbbing headache, difficult or slow breathing, muscle cramps, nausea, an irregular heartbeat, changes in vision, flushing, and seizures.
Drug Description
Isosorbide mononitrate, an organic nitrate and the major biologically active metabolite of isosorbide dinitrate, is a vasodilator with effects on both arteries and veins.
The chemical name for isosorbide mononitrate is 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-,D-glucitol 5-nitrate. Isosorbide mononitrate is a white, crystalline, odorless compound which is stable in air and in solution, has a melting point of about 90°C, and an optical rotation of +144° (2% in water, 20°C). Isosorbide mononitrate is freely soluble in water, ethanol, methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and dichloromethane.
Side effects
The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
- Nausea.
- Flushing.
- A drop in blood pressure that occurs when moving from a lying down or sitting position to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness (postural hypotension).
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia).
- Decreased heart rate (bradycardia).
- Allergic skin reactions.
- Fainting.
Precautions
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
- Avoid alcohol. It also widens your blood vessels and it can cause very low blood pressure, dizziness and you could endanger yourself or others.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.
- This drug belongs to the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not take without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Drug interactions
- Do not use sildenafil (Viagra), a drug used to treat impotence, while taking this medication. The combination could cause severe or life-threatening low blood pressure.
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45)
- any other heart medicines, especially those used to treat high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats
- You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
- Use of alcohol widens your blood vessels, and it can cause very low blood pressure, dizziness, and drowsiness.
