Imdur (Isosorbide-5-Mononitrate)

Imdur is used to prevent angina (chest pain) caused by heart disease.

Use Imdur as directed by your doctor.

• Take Imdur by mouth with or without food.
• This medication should be taken twice daily, with the doses 7 hours apart. The first dose should preferably be taken in the morning upon waking up, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
• Do not suddenly stop taking Imdur . You may have an increased risk of side effects (eg, angina attacks). If you need to stop Imdur or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.

Imdur is is a nitrate vasodilator. It works by widening the blood vessels in the body. This reduces the workload of the heart and helps to relieve chest pain.

If you miss a dose of Imdur, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store Imdur at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Imdur out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Do not use Imdur if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Imdur or to other nitrate medicines;
• you are also taking a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (eg, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil);
• you drink alcohol.

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Imdur may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Imdur.
• When you begin taking Imdur, headaches are likely to occur. Ask your doctor for instructions on ways to reduce this side effect.
• Imdur should not be used to stop an attack of angina; it is intended only for prevention of an attack.
• Imdur may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Imdur.
• Imdur should not be used in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Imdur while you are pregnant. It is not known if Imdur is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Imdur, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• dizziness; headache; nausea.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in vision; fainting; numbness of an arm or leg; severe stomach pain; sharp or crushing chest pain; sudden leg pain; sudden, severe headache; sudden shortness of breath; vomiting.

Imdur is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.