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Isosorbide dinitrate

Chinese name:

雙硝異山梨酯

Medically reviewed by

Kenny Cheuk Yin Cheung, Pharmacist

Last Updated: 2022-02-28

What is Isosorbide Dinitrate for?

Isosorbide Dinitrate belongs to a class of medications called nitrates. It produces a vasodilator effect on the peripheral veins and arteries and relaxes vascular smooth muscle to increase oxygen supply to the heart. Isosorbide Dinitrate is therefore used to prevent angina and treat congestive heart failure.

How to use it?

Isosorbide Dinitrate can be taken orally as conventional tablets or sublingual tablets. They should be taken on an empty stomach.

For conventional tablets, you should start with 5-20 mg two to three times a day, and may increase the dose to 10-40 mg two to three times a day if tolerated.

For sublingual tablets, take 5-10 mg every 2-4 hours for prophylaxis of acute angina as needed. You may also take a 5 mg tablet 15 minutes before activities which may provoke an anginal episode. Swallow the sublingual tablets whole. Do not crush or chew it.

What are the side effects of Isosorbide Dinitrate?

Common side effects of Isosorbide Dinitrate include headache, dizziness, angina, bradycardia, and shortness of breath.

Who should not take Isosorbide Dinitrate?

People who are allergic to Isosorbide Dinitrate or any component of the formulation
People who are taking riociguat, or medicines for erectile dysfunction (e.g. Avanafil, Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil)

Pharmacist Tips:

This drug should not be used as a treatment for angina. In the event of an angina attack, seek immediate medical attention.
It is important to have a nitrate-free period (times when you are not taking this medication) more than 14 hours to minimize tolerance. Consider the recommended dosing schedule below if possible.

Common dosing schedule:
Isosorbide Dinitrate should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food.

For twice daily dosing, consider administering at 8 am and 1 pm. For 3 times daily dosing, consider administering at 8 am, 1 pm, and 6 pm.

Some common medications Isosorbide Dinitrate may interact with:

Riociguat
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors, e.g. Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, Avanafil

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Isosorbide Dinitrate in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Isosorbide Dinitrate is a medicine under supervised sales and can be purchased under the supervision of a pharmacist from any pharmacies in Hong Kong. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Isosorbide dinitrate in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.

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