Isosorbide Dinitrate is a drug called a nitrate that is used for treating and preventing angina (chest/heart pain). These drugs are vasodilators, which open the blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Angina is actually a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle, this is caused by a lack of blood flow which carries the oxygen. This drug opens up the blood vessels so the blood can flow and deliver the oxygen to the heart more easily. Isosorbide Dinitrate comes in two forms tablet and sublingual tablets. Sublingual tablets are dissolved under the tongue for immediate treatment of angina pain while the tablet is taken on a regular basis.

The sublingual form is taken at the first sign of chest pain. The oral tablet form is taken three or four times a day as prescribed. Take the drug at the same times every day. Do not change your times unless told to do so by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole, do not crush or open the capsules. You can give yourself an overdose of the medication if you do. Also do not suddenly stop taking this drug without speaking to your doctor, some conditions it is taken for can become worse if the drug is suddenly decreased or stopped.

Isosorbide Dinitrate should not be taken with any drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction (tadalafil, vardenafil). Make sure your doctor and pharmacist know all the drugs you are taking as this medication also interacts with drugs to treat migraines and some drugs that lower blood pressure. This drug may interfere with some lab tests, for example cholesterol levels.

Side effects of Isosorbide Dinitrate include nausea, flushing, light headedness, dizziness and headache especially when you first start taking the medication and your body is adjusting to it. Headache though is often a sign that the drug is working and your doctor may say to treat them with an over the counter pain reliever. If they become severe, notify him or her though. Serious allergic reactions to this drug are rare.

Take a missed dose of Isosorbide Dinitrate as soon as you remember unless it is near the time for your next dose, if it is skip it and resume your usual schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Isosorbide Dinitrate can be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not flush this medication down the toilet or the drain unless told to do so. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for details on how to safely get rid of the product when you are done using it.

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