Isosorbide mononitrate patient counseling information
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Pratik Bahekar, MBBS [2]
Information for Patients
Patients should be told that the antianginal efficacy of Isosorbide mononitrate extended-release tablets can be maintained by carefully following the prescribed schedule of dosing. For most patients, this can be accomplished by taking the dose on arising.
As with other nitrates, daily headaches sometimes accompany treatment with ISMN. In patients who get these headaches, the headaches are a marker of the activity of the drug. Patients should resist the temptation to avoid headaches by altering the schedule of their treatment with ISMN, since loss of headache may be associated with simultaneous loss of antianginal efficacy. Aspirin or acetaminophen often successfully relieves ISMN induced headaches with no deleterious effect on ISMN antianginal efficacy.
Treatment with ISMN may be associated with light-headedness on standing, especially just after rising from a recumbent or seated position. This effect may be more frequent in patients who have also consumed alcohol.
Patients should be advised that they may pass empty matrix “ghosts” (tablets) via colostomy or in the stool, and that this is of no concern since the active medication has already been absorbed.[1]
References
- ↑ "ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE TABLET [ZYDUS PHARMACEUTICALS (USA) INC.]". Retrieved 30 January 2014.