Generic Isordil

Isordil is a brand name for the drug isosorbide dinitrate. It is a vasodilator, meaning that it expands blood vessels, and is effective on both arteries and veins. It is prescribed in tablets which are used to prevent angina resulting from coronary artery disease.

Most side effects of Isordil have to do with its effects as a vasodilator on other parts of the body. The effects seem to worsen in relation to the size of the dosage; the higher your dosage, the worse they are. The most common side effect of Isordil is headaches, which can sometimes be severe, and can recur with each daily dose. These are most common when you first start taking Isordil, and may become less severe over time. You might also experience lightheadedness or dizziness, which usually happen because of changes in your blood pressure. In infrequent cases, your blood pressure might drop, or you could experience rebound hypertension, which is where your blood pressure rises suddenly after it has dropped. You might experience fainting or an increase in your angina attacks. Other rare but serious side effects can include a lack of oxygen that can cause your skin and lips to turn grayish-blue.

Isordil should not be used with other vasodilators, because their effects can be additive, meaning that they increase when used together. These vasodilators include alcohol, so you should avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking Isordil. If you increase the effects of Isordil by using it with other vasodilators, you may experience a severe drop in blood pressure and require emergency care. You should also not use Isordil if you are taking sildenafil, which is Viagra or other drug treatments of erectile dysfunction. Make sure to let your doctor know if you are allergic to any medications, or if you have early warning signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain or a heavy feeling in your chest, pain that spreads to your arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, or malaise. Other conditions your doctor should be aware of before prescribing Isordil include congestive heart failure, severe anemia, low blood pressure, or kidney disease.

In animal studies, Isordil has been shown to have toxic effects on babies when given in very high doses to pregnant mothers, resulting in it being classified as pregnancy category C, unsafe for pregnant women. However, no conclusive studies have been done on humans, so you should use extreme caution if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and require treatment with Isordil. The same is true of nursing mothers; since it is not known whether Isordil passes into breast milk, you should discuss with your doctor the possibility of either changing your treatment or discontinuing breast feeding. It has also not been determined whether Isordil is safe for children, so it is not recommended for pediatric use. Elderly patients can take Isordil, but your doctor may adjust the dosage, and generally give you lower doses than other adults if you are over age sixty-five.