Notice: Images are for illustration only and may not reflect the exact product you receive. Brand-name medications may look different depending on their country of origin—Canadian versions, for example, often include a "PR" symbol on the packaging. Rest assured, the medication, dosage, and active ingredients will be exactly as prescribed. Canada Pharmacy Store is committed to your health and safety, and we work only with licensed pharmacies to ensure you receive trusted, high-quality medication every time.
General Medication Fact Sheet for Isosorbide Dinitrate
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Isosorbide Dinitrate |
| Brand Name Versions | Isordil, Dilatrate-SR |
| Boxed/Label Warning | None |
| Purpose | Prevention of angina (chest pain) due to coronary artery disease. |
| Mechanism of Action | Relaxes blood vessels, increasing blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart while reducing cardiac workload. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets (immediate-release and extended-release), sublingual tablets. |
| Available Strengths | 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg (varies by formulation) |
| Dosage Frequency | Immediate-release: 2-3 times daily; Extended-release: Once daily; Sublingual: As needed for acute angina. |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, flushing. |
| Serious Side Effects | Severe hypotension (low blood pressure), paradoxical bradycardia (slow heart rate). |
| Drug Interactions | Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil), other antihypertensives. |
| Important Notes | Do not use with PDE5 inhibitors due to risk of severe hypotension. Headache is common initially. Rise slowly from sitting or lying down. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep tightly closed. |
| Missed Dose | If taking regularly, take as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Isosorbide Mononitrate, Nitroglycerin, Ranolazine, Beta-Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers. |
Isosorbide Dinitrate Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Isosorbide Mononitrate (Imdur, Monoket) | Relaxes blood vessels, reducing cardiac workload. | Longer-acting nitrate; typically taken once daily. |
| Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitro-Dur) | Relaxes blood vessels, reducing cardiac workload. | Available as sublingual tablets, sprays, and patches; often used for acute angina attacks. |
| Ranolazine (Ranexa) | Inhibits late sodium current in cardiac cells. | Used for chronic angina; does not affect heart rate or blood pressure significantly. |
| Beta-Blockers (Metoprolol, Atenolol) | Block the effects of adrenaline, slowing heart rate and lowering blood pressure. | Reduce the heart’s oxygen demand. |
| Calcium Channel Blockers (Amlodipine, Diltiazem) | Relax blood vessels and reduce heart rate. | Reduce the heart’s oxygen demand. |
Isosorbide Dinitrate Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Headache | Severe hypotension (low blood pressure) |
| Dizziness | Paradoxical bradycardia (slow heart rate) |
| Lightheadedness | Increased intracranial pressure |
| Flushing | Syncope (fainting) |
| Nausea | Methemoglobinemia (rare) |
Isosorbide Dinitrate Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angina Prevention (Immediate-Release) | 2.5 mg – 5 mg | 10 mg – 40 mg 2-3 times daily | Take on an empty stomach, if possible. Titrate dose based on response and tolerance. |
| Angina Prevention (Extended-Release) | 5 mg | 20 mg – 80 mg once daily | Swallow whole; do not crush or chew. |
| Acute Angina (Sublingual) | 2.5 mg – 5 mg | Repeat every 5 minutes as needed, up to 3 doses. Seek medical attention if pain persists. | Place under the tongue until dissolved. Do not swallow. |
Isosorbide Dinitrate Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $10 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $25 |
| From Canada | $5 |
