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Isordil |
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What is Isordil and why is it prescribed? Isordil is prescribed to relieve or prevent angina pectoris. Angina pectoris occurs when the arteries and veins become constricted and sufficient oxygen does not reach the heart. Isordil 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, Isordil helps to increase the amount of exercise you can do before chest pain begins. In chewable or sublingual tablets, Isordil 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. Isordil may cause severe low blood pressure, especially when you stand or sit up quickly. People taking diuretic medication or those who have low blood pressure should use Isordil with caution. How should you take Isordil? Follow your doctors directions for taking Isordil. 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 and you are taking this drug 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 two doses at once. Store Isordil at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light. Are there any Isordil side effects? Isordil side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. 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 Isordil 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. Other common Isordil side effects may include dizziness, light-headedness, low blood pressure, and weakness. Less common or rare Isordil side effects may include collapse, fainting, flushed skin, high blood pressure, nausea, pallor, perspiration, rash, restlessness, skin inflammation and flaking, and vomiting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Isordil? If Isordil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Extreme low blood pressure (marked by dizziness, fainting, and numbness) may occur if you take Isordil with certain other high blood pressure drugs such as Cardizem and Procardia, as well as the impotence remedy Viagra. Alcohol may interact with Isordil and produce a swift decrease in blood pressure, possibly causing dizziness and fainting. Are there any special warnings about Isordil? You should use Isordil 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 Isordil, you should follow your doctor's plan for a gradual withdrawal schedule. Abruptly stopping this medication could result in additional chest pain. Some people may develop a tolerance to Isordil, which causes its effects to be reduced over time. Tell your doctor if you think Isordil is starting to lose its effectiveness. |
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