Imdur (Isosorbide Mononitrate ER)

What is Imdur?

Imdur (isosorbide mononitrate) belongs to a class of drugs called nitrates. This organic nitrate is a vasodilator that effects both veins and arteries.

What is Imdur used for?

Imdur is used to prevent chest pain or angina attacks in patients with a certain heart condition (coronary artery disease). However, the drug does not treat chest pain or angina attack that has already begun.

How does Imdur work?

Imdur works by relaxing and widening blood vessels so that the blood can flow easily to the heart.

How to use Imdur

Imdur should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken once daily, with half a glass of water. It is advisable to take the medicine in the morning, when you wake up. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not break, crush or chew the tablet. Swallow it. However, if your doctor permits, you may split the tablet into two and then take it.

Imdur warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to isosorbide dinitrate, (Dilatrate, Isordil, Isochron), nitroglycerin, or isosorbide mononitrate. Do not take Imdur if you see some early signs of heart attack in your body. These signs include chest pain or heaviness in the chest, pain spreading to arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling.

Do not take this drug if you are using sildenafil (Viagra), as the combination can cause life-threatening side effects. The drug should not be taken just before physical activities such as exercise or sexual activity.

Prior to taking Imdur, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, low blood pressure, or congestive heart failure. You may need a dose adjustment.

While using Imdur, avoid drinking alcohol and performing activities that require alertness. Also, avoid getting up too fast from a lying or sitting position in order to prevent a fall.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Imdur dose?

If you have missed your Imdur dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Imdur overdose?

An overdose of Imdur can be fatal. If you have taken an Imdur overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Imdur interactions

Before taking Imdur, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like ergotamine (Cafergot, Ergomar) or dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal); blood pressure medicines; an erectile dysfunction medicine such as vardenafil (Levitra) or tadalafil (Cialis); a calcium channel blocker such as felodipine (Plendil), diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia), verapamil (Verelan, Covera, Calan, Isoptin,), or nifedipine (Procardia, Nifedical); or a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenoretic ,Tenormin), propranolol (InnoPran, Inderal), labetalol (Trandate, Normodyne), carvedilol (Coreg), nadolol (Corgard), sotalol (Betapace), or metoprolol (Toprol, Lopressor). Such drugs can interact with Imdur.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use. Also, do not start taking any medicine without consulting your doctor.

Imdur side effects

Imdur side effects include hives, breathing trouble, angina pain, uneven heart rate, fatigue, blue-colored skin; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Imdur, contact your doctor right away.

Headache, nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, mild dizziness, redness, warmth, or tingling under the skin, pain in muscles, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, and joint pain are some less serious side effects of Imdur.