Generic Imdur

Introduction

Imdur is a prescription medication marketed for the management of chest pain associated with reduced blood flow to the heart. The product contains the active compound isosorbide, which belongs to the nitrate family of drugs. In the United Kingdom, Imdur is classified within the Pain Relief group, reflecting its primary role in alleviating anginal discomfort. The medication is produced by a multinational pharmaceutical company and is also used off‑label for certain circulatory disorders where vasodilation is beneficial.

What is Imdur?

Imdur is a tablet formulation that delivers the nitrate isosorbide in a controlled‑release manner. It is manufactured by a leading global pharmaceutical firm that holds marketing authorisation in the UK. The tablet is designed to provide a steady plasma concentration of isosorbide over an extended period, reducing the need for multiple daily doses.

Imdur is not a brand‑new molecule; it is based on the well‑established nitrate isosorbide, which has been employed in cardiovascular therapy for decades.

How Imdur Works

Isosorbide acts as a nitric‑oxide donor. After oral ingestion, it is converted to nitric oxide in the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. Nitric oxide activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase, increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels. Elevated cGMP relaxes vascular smooth muscle, producing vasodilation of both veins and arteries.

The venous dilation reduces preload (the volume of blood returning to the heart), while arterial dilation lowers afterload (the resistance the heart must pump against). The combined effect decreases myocardial oxygen demand and improves oxygen delivery, thereby relieving anginal pain. Onset of action typically occurs within 30–60 minutes, with therapeutic effects lasting 12–24 hours depending on the formulation.

Conditions Treated with Imdur

• Chronic stable angina pectoris – the most common indication. In the UK, approximately 800,000 adults experience angina, and nitrate therapy is a cornerstone of symptom control.
• Secondary prevention of angina‑related episodes – when used together with β‑blockers or calcium‑channel blockers, Imdur helps maintain stable blood flow during physical exertion.
  Peripheral arterial disease (off‑label) – isosorbide’s vasodilatory properties may improve peripheral circulation, though this use is not formally approved in the UK.

Imdur is effective because it directly targets the physiological cause of angina: an imbalance between myocardial oxygen demand and supply.

Who is Imdur For?

• Adults with documented stable angina who require long‑acting nitrate therapy.
• Patients who have responded to short‑acting nitrates (e.g., sublingual glyceryl trinitrate) but need a maintenance option to prevent daily episodes.
• Individuals who can tolerate nitrate therapy without severe hypotension, migraine exacerbation, or known hypersensitivity to nitrates.

Imdur is not appropriate for:

• Patients with severe aortic stenosis, recent myocardial infarction (<48 hours), or uncontrolled low blood pressure.
• Those taking phosphodiesterase‑5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil) due to the risk of profound vasodilation.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women unless the benefit outweighs the potential risk.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Headache (often described as a “throbbing” sensation)
• Flushing or warmth in the face and neck
• Dizziness