A-Z Indexes

Food

Health Guides

Health News

Isosorbide Dinitrate

Pronounced

"eye-so-SORE-bide dye-NYE-trate"

Common brand names:

Isordil

Uses

Isosorbide dinitrate is used to prevent chest pain (angina) in patients with a certain heart condition (coronary artery disease). This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as nitrates. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels so blood can flow more easily to the heart.

This medication will not relieve chest pain once it occurs. It is also not intended to be taken just before physical activities (such as exercise, sexual activity) to prevent chest pain. Other medications may be needed in these situations. Consult your doctor for more details.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication may also be used with other drugs to improve the symptoms of heart failure (such as trouble breathing).

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times daily. It is important to take the drug at the same times each day. Do not change the dosing times unless directed by your doctor.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Although unlikely, when this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well and may require different dosing. Tell your doctor if this medication stops working well (for example, you have worsening chest pain or it occurs more often).