About 20.1 million adults 20 years and older in the United States have coronary artery disease, and chest pain can be an unpleasant frequent reality for many of those people.

There are many different reasons for chest pain, but the type called angina is typically caused by narrowing blood vessels that supply blood to your heart. If you’re experiencing angina pain, there are medications available to help treat it. Isosorbide mononitrate is one such medication.

If a doctor or healthcare professional recommends you take isosorbide mononitrate, this article can provide more information on how it works and what the potential side effects are.

Isosorbide is classified as a nitrate medication. It works by releasing nitric oxide, which causes your blood vessels to widen. This is also known as vasodilation.

“There are two types of isosorbide. The way isosorbide dinitrate is metabolized by your body is different from the way issorbide mononitrate is. It takes a long time for sorbide mononitrate to be eliminated and it doesn’t take a first pass of your body.”

“The increase in blood and oxygen to your heart is caused by the relaxation of your blood vessels. This helps to reduce the workload of your heart. Isosorbide mononitrate doesn’t cure coronary arteries.”

Imdur, Monoket, and Ismo are a few of the brand names for sorbide mononitrate. Immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsule are available for this medication.

“The extended-release option is only taken once a day, while the sorbide mononitrate tablets are taken two or three times daily. It is important to follow a doctor’s prescription. The pills should be taken whole.”

Isosorbide mononitrate is used to manage chest pain in people with coronary artery disease. It can also be used in combination with other medications to help treat heart failure.

Those who live with obesity and diabetes and who smoke are also at an increased risk of chest pain. But isosorbide mononitrate isn’t designed to treat these issues.

One thing to keep in mind is that this medication doesn’t work fast enough to help with a heart attack. It also isn’t designed to be taken right before physical activity to prevent chest pain. Other medications may be prescribed and used in these situations.

Isosorbide mononitrate can cause nausea, and you should notify a doctor if this becomes severe.

Headaches or dizziness may also occur. For some people, headaches may be severe or occur daily, but this can actually mean the isosorbide is working properly. It’s important not to stop taking isosorbide mononitrate as prescribed without discussing it with a doctor. Before taking any headache-relieving medications, you should also discuss potential implications with a doctor.

If you experience a rash, you should inform your doctor. If you experience chest pains or difficulty breathing, you should call the emergency services.

If you are on isosorbide, you may want to limit your drinking or refrain from drinking at all if you have alcohol in your system.

You shouldn’t take an erectile dysfunction medication such as Viagra while taking isosorbide mononitrate. Taking both together can cause a sudden, serious decrease in blood pressure.

It is important to discuss any plans to stop using isosorbide mononitrate with your doctor as sudden stopping can cause a severe angina attack. It is a good idea to fill your prescription before you run out.

“If you have taken too many doses or have taken too long, sorbide mononitrate may not work. A doctor will plan your doses so that you don’t get exposed to the medication during the day.”

There is a generic medication called isosorbide mononitrate. It can be found under many different brand names, including Imdur, Monoket, and Ismo.

“It is not an emergency rescue medication and shouldn’t be used to treat heart attacks. If you are experiencing sudden chest pain, or other symptoms of a heart attack, you should call the emergency services immediately.”