What is Isosorbide Mononitrate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Isosorbide Mononitrate overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Ismo

Generic Names:

  • Isosorbide Mononitrate

Uses:

  • Prevents angina. This medicine is a nitrate.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antianginal, Coronary Vasodilator

Forms:

  • Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Isosorbide Mononitrate used for?

Isosorbide mononitrate is a medication used to relieve chest pain (angina) associated with heart disorders. Isosorbide mononitrate belongs to a class of medications called nitrates. Isosorbide mononitrate is a generic medication also sold under the brand names Monoket, Ismo, and Imdur. Isosorbide mononitrate has been used for decades for the treatment of heart disease related chest pain. Isosorbide mononitrate use is very common.

What form(s) does Isosorbide Mononitrate come in

  • Tablet

  • Long Acting Tablet

What are common Isosorbide Mononitrate doses?

  • Tablet 10MG

  • Tablet 20MG

Common Isosorbide Mononitrate prescriptions

  • Isosorbide Mononitrate
    10mg tablet

  • Isosorbide Mononitrate
    20mg tablet

How to take Isosorbide Mononitrate

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. You should take this medicine first thing in the morning. Carefully follow the same schedule each day so the medicine will work properly.

  • It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach with at least half a glass of water.

  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach with at least half a glass of water.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. You should take this medicine first thing in the morning. Carefully follow the same schedule each day so the medicine will work properly.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Isosorbide Mononitrate contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to isosorbide or similar medicines.

Isosorbide Mononitrate warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell him if you had a recent heart attack or you have heart failure, an enlarged heart, low blood pressure, or other heart problems.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Severe low blood pressureWorsening of chest pain caused by an enlarged heart

  • Medicines that treat chest pain sometimes cause headaches. These headaches are a sign that the medicine is working. Do not stop taking the medicine or change the time you take it in order to avoid the headaches. Ask your doctor if you can take aspirin or acetaminophen to treat the headache.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. You may feel lightheaded when standing, so stand up slowly. Drinking alcohol may make these symptoms worse.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

Isosorbide Mononitrate interactions

  • Do not use this medicine together with riociguat, sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil.

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how isosorbide mononitrate works. Tell your doctor if you are using blood pressure medicine or if you drink alcohol.

  • Medicines that treat chest pain sometimes cause headaches. These headaches are a sign that the medicine is working. Do not stop taking the medicine or change the time you take it in order to avoid the headaches. Ask your doctor if you can take aspirin or acetaminophen to treat the headache.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. You may feel lightheaded when standing, so stand up slowly. Drinking alcohol may make these symptoms worse.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Isosorbide Mononitrate side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe or ongoing dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

  • Slow heartbeat, increased chest pain

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Severe headache

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild headache