Brand name: SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate), Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate)
Pronounced: ICE-or-dill
Generic name: Isosorbide dinitrate
Other brand name: Sorbitrate
Why is SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate), Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) prescribed?

SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) is prescribed to relieve or prevent angina pectoris (suffocating chest pain). Angina pectoris occurs when the arteries and veins become constricted and sufficient oxygen does not reach the heart. SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) dilates the blood vessels by relaxing the muscles in their walls. Oxygen flow improves as the vessels relax, and chest pain subsides.

In swallowed capsules or tablets, SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) helps to increase the amount of exercise you can do before chest pain begins.

In chewable or sublingual (held under the tongue) tablets, SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) can help relieve chest pain that has already started or prevent pain expected from a strenuous activity such as walking up a hill or climbing stairs.
Most important fact about SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate), Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate)

SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) may cause severe low blood pressure (possibly marked by dizziness or fainting), especially when you stand or sit up quickly. People taking diuretic medication or those who have low blood pressure should use SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) with caution.
How should you take SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate)?

Swallowed capsules or tablets should be taken on an empty stomach. While regular tablets may be crushed for easier use, sustained- or prolonged-release products should not be chewed, crushed or altered.

Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly and held in the mouth for a couple of minutes. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or use chewing tobacco while a sublingual tablet is dissolving.

This drug's effectiveness is closely linked to the dose, so follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

If you miss a dose SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate)

If you are taking SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) regularly, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is within 2 hours--or 6 hours for controlled-release tablets and capsules--skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage information

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light.
SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate).

Headache is the most common side effect; usually, standard headache treatments with over-the-counter pain products will relieve the pain. The headaches associated with SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) usually subside within 2 weeks after treatment with the drug begins. Do not change your dose to avoid the headache. At a dose that eliminates headaches, the drug may not be as effective against angina.
Why should SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) not be prescribed?

You should not take SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) if you have had a previous allergic reaction to it or to other nitrates or nitrites.
Special warnings about SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate)

You should use SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) with caution if you have anemia, the eye condition called glaucoma, a previous head injury or heart attack, heart disease, low blood pressure, or thyroid disease.

If you stop using SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate), you should follow your doctor's plan for a gradual withdrawal schedule. Abruptly stopping SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) could result in additional chest pain.

Some people may develop a tolerance to SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate), which causes its effects to be reduced over time. Tell your doctor if you think SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) is starting to lose its effectiveness.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate)

If SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered.

Extreme low blood pressure (marked by dizziness, fainting, and numbness) may occur if you take SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) with certain other high blood pressure drugs such as Cardizem and Procardia, as well as the impotence remedy Viagra.

Alcohol may interact with SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) and produce a swift decrease in blood pressure, possibly causing dizziness and fainting.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) in pregnancy have not been adequately studied. SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) should be used only when the benefits of therapy clearly outweigh the potential risks to the developing baby. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) appears in breast milk; therefore, nursing mothers should use SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) with caution.
Recommended dosage for SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate)

Because you can develop a tolerance to SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate), your doctor may schedule a daily period of time when you do not take any drug.

ADULTS
Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. Severe overdosage of SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.

* Symptoms of SORBITRATE (Dilatrate SR, Isordil, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Sorbitrate) overdose may include:
Bloody diarrhea, coma, confusion, convulsions, fainting, fever, flushed and perspiring skin (later cold and blue), nausea, palpitations, paralysis, rapid decrease in blood pressure, rapid, then difficult and slow breathing, slow pulse, throbbing headache, vertigo, visual disturbances, vomiting