Imdur

Common Name: isosorbide-5-mononitrate extended release

How does Imdur work?

Isosorbide-5-mononitrate belongs to the family of medications known as anti-anginals. This medication is used to prevent angina attacks associated with coronary artery disease. It is not useful for quick relief of an attack. It acts by opening up the blood vessels that supply the heart, increasing the blood and oxygen supply to the heart. Isosorbide-5-mononitrate may reduce the number, length, and severity of angina attacks. Tolerance to exercise may be increased and the need for fast-acting nitroglycerin (tablets and spray) may be reduced. Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Imdur?

The recommended adult dose of isosorbide-5-mononitrate is 1 tablet (60 mg) taken once daily in the morning after getting up. Your doctor may increase the dose to 2 tablets (120 mg) once daily in the morning if necessary. To reduce the risk of headache, your doctor may suggest starting with one-half tablet (30 mg) once daily each morning for the first two to four days. The tablets should not be chewed or crushed, and should be swallowed together with half a glass of water. You may sometimes find whole tablets in the stool. These are only the shell of the tablet, and you can be sure that the medication has been released. The tablets are available in a 30-day package that is designed to make it easy to keep track of your medication. Twenty-eight tablets are labeled with a day of the week. To start, take a tablet in the first row that matches the day you begin this pack. Then take a tablet on each of the following days to complete the 28 labelled tablets. The two extra non-labelled tablets should be taken after all the other tablets are gone. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is important that you take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Isosorbide-5-mononitrate should be taken at about the same time every day. If you miss a dose and remember within six hours, take your usual dose as soon as possible. Then go back to your regular schedule. If it has been more than six hours when you remember, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double-up on doses.

What form(s) does Imdur come in?

Each oval, yellow, film-coated, extended-release tablet, scored on both sides and engraved with "A" over "ID" on one side, contains isosorbide-5-mononitrate 60 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients include colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, paraffin, and sodium aluminum silicate; coating contains hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide yellow, paraffin, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.

What should I NOT take with Imdur?

Isosorbide-5-mononitrate should not be taken by anyone who: is allergic to isosorbide-5-mononitrate, other nitrates or nitrites, or any of the ingredients of the medication is in a state of acute circulatory failure associated with extremely low blood pressure (e.g., states of shock or collapse) experiences dizziness, blurred vision, or loss of consciousness when rising from a sitting or lying position has myocardial insufficiency due to obstruction has increased pressure inside the head has severe anemia is taking sildenafil

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Imdur?

Low blood pressure: Symptoms of severe lowering of blood pressure, such as weakness or dizziness, particularly when rising suddenly from a sitting or lying position, may occur. People who are prone to low blood pressure (e.g., those taking diuretics) should be cautious when using this medication. Occupational hazards: Because this medication may cause faintness or dizziness, use caution when driving or operating machinery, especially at the start of treatment. Tolerance: With continued use, isosorbide-5-mononitrate may stop having beneficial effects because the body gets used to it (i.e., develops a tolerance). Call your doctor if at any time you feel that your angina attacks are getting worse or happening more often. Withdrawal: Stopping this medication suddenly may occasionally aggravate chest pain or other symptoms of angina. To avoid possible withdrawal effects, this medication should be gradually reduced and not stopped suddenly. Pregnancy: If you are or may be pregnant, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking this medication. Breast-feeding: It is not known whether isosorbide-5-mononitrate passes into breast milk. Speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication while breast-feeding. Children: The safety and efficacy of isosorbide-5-mononitrate have not been established for children. Its use by this age group is not recommended. Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience dizziness or lightheadedness while taking this medication.