Treating or Preventing Attacks of Chest Pain (Angina)

Angina (chest pain) – It is a pain, discomfort or tightness in the chest. Angina is usually due to obstruction or spasm of the coronary arteries. It may increase the risk of having a heart attack. So it is necessary to look after for such problems.

Isosorbide dinitrate is used to treat or prevent attacks of chest pain called angina. It is also found helpful in treating heart failure, esophageal spasms etc. The FDA approved the above drug in January 1968.

How does Isosorbide Dinitrate work?

Isosorbide Dinitrate belongs to the class of drugs called as nitrates. The drug produces relaxation of the arterial smooth muscles. It is a vasodilator. It dilates peripheral arteries and veins. Relaxing the blood vessels reduces the strain on the heart. This makes it easy to pump blood.

Angina is due to insufficient flow of blood and oxygen to the muscles of the heart. Dilation of the arteries lowers the pressure in the arteries for which it is required to pump. Thus heart works less and it also requires less blood and oxygen. In addition, the dilation of arteries allows more flow of blood and oxygen. This in all relieves the Angina and related symptoms.

How to ake Isosorbide Dinitrate?

It is an oral medication available in the form of tablets of 40 mg.

• Adult dosage

1. Initial dose– 5 to 20 mg two to three times in a day.
2. Maximum dose– 480 mg in a day.

• Maintenance dose- 10 to 40 mg two to three times in a day.

Comments

• You can take the tablet with or without food.
• One can observe reduced effect after several doses. Allow a drug-free period of 14 hours.
• Safety and efficacy are not established in children.
• Start with the lowest dose in case of the older patient.
• Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
• Take the dose around the same time every day.

What are the Uses of Isosorbide Dinitrate?

• Isosorbide dinitrate prevents and treats chest pain in Angina.
• It is helpful in the treatment of coronary artery disease.
• It relaxes and dilates the blood vessels. This allows increased blood flow to the heart.
• It makes the flow of blood to the heart easy.
• Reduce workload of heart to pump blood.
• It is used in case of heart failure.
• It may be used for some other reason. Ask your doctor.

What are the Precautions in taking Isosorbide Dinitrate?

One should be concerned while using the above drug. Discuss or ask your doctor if you have/are,

• Heart-related problems.
• Lung disease.
• Allergy to above drug.
• Thyroid problems.
• Kidney problems.
• Liver disease.
• Pregnant/Breast-feeding.

1. It can cause drowsiness. Be cautious while you drive or use some machinery or things that need to be alert.
2. You can experience reduced effect after several doses. A minimal amount of nitrate free time is essential.
3. Slowly rise from sitting place. The drug may cause fall in your blood pressure to make you feel dizzy.
4. You may have a headache. It is a sign that the medicine is working. You can take aspirin or other medicine to overcome a headache.
5. Limit drinking alcohol.
6. Inform your doctor regarding all other medicines you take. This will reduce the risk of drug reactions.                                     
   

Cost of Isosorbide Dinitrate (Generic and Brand)

Generic and Brand drug consist of a very same active ingredient. They both contain Isosorbide Dinitrate. The effect is also the same. But brand drugs are costlier than generic drugs. They spend a huge amount for its research and development. Other expenditures include pricing, packaging, and advertising. Generic medications do not spend for these expenditures. So we can sell cheap Generic drugs to our customers.

*Cost of Generic Isosorbide Dinitrate.

-Pack of 100 tablets of 40 mg cost $ 29.33, per unit cost is $ 0.29.

*Cost of Brand Isordil Titradose.

-Pack of 100 tablets of 40 mg costs $ 1.884.17.b per unit cost is $ 18.84.