Nitrates Oral (Systemic)

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor . It will work only if taken correctly.

This form of nitrate is used to reduce the number of angina attacks. In most cases, it will not relieve an attack that has already started because it works too slowly (the extended-release form releases medicine gradually over a 6-hour period to provide its effect for 8 to 10 hours). Check with your doctor if you need a fast-acting medicine to relieve the pain of an angina attack.

Take this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water on an empty stomach . If taken either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, it will start working sooner.

Extended-release capsules and tablets are not to be broken, crushed, or chewed before they are swallowed . If broken up, they will not release the medicine properly.

Dosing - The dose of nitrates will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of nitrates. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of capsules or tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking nitrates .

For isosorbide dinitrate
• For angina (chest pain):
  • For regular (short-acting) oral dosage forms (capsules or tablets):
    • Adults - 5 to 40 mg four times a day.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For long-acting oral dosage forms (extended-release capsules or tablets):
    • Adults - 20 to 80 mg every eight to twelve hours.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For isosorbide mononitrate
• For angina (chest pain):
  • For regular (short-acting) oral dosage form (tablets):
    • Adults - 20 mg two times a day. The two doses should be taken seven hours apart.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For long-acting oral dosage forms (extended-release tablets):
    • Adults - 30 to 240 mg once a day.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For nitroglycerin
• For angina (chest pain):
  • For long-acting oral dosage forms (capsules or tablets):
    • Adults - 2.5 to 9.0 mg every eight to twelve hours.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you are taking this medicine regularly and you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if the next scheduled dose is within 2 hours (or within 6 hours for extended-release capsules or tablets), skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.