Isosorbide Mononitrate

I have talked to quite a few people who have Atherosclerosis or had a HA, and it seems not many of them have been prescribed this drug, which is supposed to dilate the arteries. Is it a popular choice of cardiologists? It seems a good idea, not sure if it is proven or what the side effects are if many? Has anyone any knowledge of this drug or know if it is used widely? I had 2 stents fitted due to LAD 96% blocked but no HA and am on 10mg twice a day.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi lateguitarist

I take 90mg of isosorbide mononitrate extended release as well nitrate patches in the evening. It is to try and relax my blood vessels to stop them going into spasm. I also take calcium channel blockers as part of the treatment for vasospastic angina

Isosorbide mononitrate is also useful for people living with Coronary heart disease too again it is used to prevent angina.

As it dilates your blood vessels it can make your blood pressure drop. I was started on a much lower dose and it has been increased over time.

At first it can give you a headache and make you feel lighted headed and feel sick.

Over a week or two you get used to it.

I suggest you talk to your Cardiologist and discuss with them why you have been prescribed the medication.

[WardijaWardija in reply to Milkfairy]

Hi Milkfairy. I just read a previous post from you regarding Isosorbide and the 90mg dosage you currently take.

I take 60mgs daily but I'm having a bit of an issue with it, not any bad side effects - I just don't think it's working for me as I am still experiencing angina attacks, doing just moderate exertion activities or maybe I'm resistant to it and need a higher dose ??

The full details are in my current posts.

I just wondered if you have any words of wisdom for me.

Thank you ☺☺

[Jinky07]

I take 40mg x 2 daily. One in the morning and one in the afternoon

[bantam12]

It gave me horrendous headaches so GP stooped it.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to bantam12]

Hi bantam 12

Ah the 'nitrate head' which can be worse than the angina!

[Lezzers]

My husband has been on this for years after massive heart attack & cardiac arrest, think he initially had headaches but they're long gone. It does reduce your blood pressure though. My husband has had his reduced to get his blood pressure up but it's made his raynaulds disease worse, swings & roundabouts I suppose.

[kizza67]

I take this once a day and for the first few weeks it gave me horrendous headaches I didn't think I'd be able to carry on with it but gradually they got less and less and now I get no side effects

[Griff-64]

I was prescribed a low dose twice a day about 6years ago for microvascular angina, it's increased over time and presently 60 mg twice daily. I remember having headaches for a couple of weeks at first, but nothing since.

[Healthyheart1]

Hi, I'm on it for angina, I haven't got any blockages or stents. I have spasms and not had a heart attack, I'm also on nicorandil and angital sr.

[dunestar]

It's been very helpful for me. I take 30mg slow release once a day. I had headaches when I first started taking it. Actually more pressure than actual headache type pain. But it went away after a while. I have lovely warm feet. More importantly my eGFR has gone up significantly which shows my kidneys are working much better. Also my digestive system seems to be much calmer. I should have said I have microvascular angina.