ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE

Drug Name: ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE

ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE DESCRIPTION:
ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE - ORAL (eye-so-SORE-bide mow-no-NYE-trate)

COMMON ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE BRAND NAME(S):
ISMO, Monoket

ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE SIDE EFFECTS:
Headache, dizziness, flushing, rapid heartbeat or restlessness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. To prevent dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Notify your doctor if you experience: blurred vision, dry mouth, skin rash, nausea. Headache is often a sign the medication is working. Treat headaches with an aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever as recommended by your doctor. If the headaches continue or become severe, notify your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE:
ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE: Take ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same times each day so you remember to take it. The morning dose (or first dose) and the afternoon dose (or second dose) should be taken 7 hours apart. Do not stop taking ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. It is important to continue taking ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE routinely to prevent episodes of chest pain. This is not helpful in relieving chest pain once it occurs.

ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE USES:
ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE helps to widen blood vessels so blood flows better. It is used to prevent chest pain (angina).

ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have ever had: angle-closure glaucoma, blood disorders, low blood pressure, recent head injury, recent heart attack, any allergies (especially to nitrates). ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages and avoid overheating which will aggravate these effects.

ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take especially: any medication for blood pressure, certain medications for migraines (ergot alkaloids), sildenafil, high doses of aspirin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include throbbing headache, confusion, dizziness, perspiring skin, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, slow pulse, and loss of consciousness.

ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE NOTES:
Some persons may develop a tolerance to the effects of ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE over time. Notify your doctor if the medication appears to be losing its effectiveness or if the chest pain continues while taking ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE.

MISSED ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE STORAGE:
Store medication in a cool dry place between 36 and 86 degrees F (2 to 30 degrees C) in a tight container. Do not store in the bathroom. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.