Generic Isosorbide

Common use

Isosorbide belongs to nitrates. Effects of its active substance, Isosorbide mononitrate, consist in dilatation of (widening) of blood vessels and making it easier for the heart to pump. Isosorbide is used in treatment of angina attacks (chest pain). Other similar nitrates drugs include Isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isochron, Isordil Titradose) and nitroglycerin (NitroQuick, Nitrolingual, Nitrostat, Nitro-Dur ).



Dosage and direction

The recommended dose of Isosorbide is 20 mg of immediate release tablets taken two times a day. Take the next dose at least seven hours later the previous dose to avoid tolerance. If you use The dose extended release tablets, the dose is 30-240 mg taken one time a day.



Precautions

You should not take Isosorbide if you use sildenafil (Viagra) due to possible serious side effects. If you are allergic to Isosorbide dinitrate, (Isochron, Isordil, Dilatrate), Isosorbide mononitrate, or nitroglycerin you should not take Isosorbide. Also do not use the drug if you have early signs of a heart attack such as chest pain or heavy feeling, nausea, sweating, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, general ill feeling.

Before taking Isosorbide, notify your health care advisor if you have congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, or kidney disease. At the beginning of treatment Isosorbide may cause serious headaches. Do not use Isosorbide to treat angina attack that has already started. This medication is used to prevent angina attack so use it according to instructions of your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly as it may cause a severe angina attack. Inform your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, or kidney disease. Rise slowly from a sitting or lying position unless you may have a severe drop in blood pressure.



Contraindications

Isosorbide is contraindicated in the patients with hypersensitivity or rare and unpredictable reactions to other nitrates or nitrites.



Side effects

The most frequent side effect of Isosorbide is headache, causing dizziness, palpitations, a severe drop in blood pressure when rising from a sitting position, weakness.



Drug interaction

Concomitant use with Sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), or tadalafil (Cialis) may dangerously decrease the blood pressure and is contradicted. Do not combine Isosorbide with calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem (Dilacor, Tiazac, Cardizem) and verapamil (Isoptin, Isoptin SR, Calan, Verelan, Verelan PM, Covera-HS)



Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not take double doses of Isosorbide. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.



Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include fast or pounding heartbeats, nausea, vomiting, fever, confusion, dizziness a severe throbbing headache, spinning sensation, vision problems, stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, sweating, trouble breathing, cold or clammy skin, fainting, feeling light-headed, seizure.



Storage

Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F). Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. It is not recommended to store in a bathroom and places available for children.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)