Cardiovascular / Generic Imdur

Imdur(isosorbide mononitrate) is used for:

Preventing angina (chest pain) caused by heart disease.

Imdur 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.

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

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Imdur:

Some medical conditions may interact with Imdur. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have heart problems (eg, heart failure, heart attack, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), low blood pressure, blood problems (eg, anemia), dehydration, bleeding the brain, an overactive thyroid, or have had a recent head injury

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Imdur. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Calcium channel blockers (eg, diltiazem, verapamil) or phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (eg, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) because the risk of severe low blood pressure may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Imdur may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Imdur:

Use Imdur as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Imdur(isosorbide mononitrate) 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.
• 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.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Imdur.

Important safety information:

• Imdur may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Imdur with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Imdur may cause dizziness or lightheadedness; 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(isosorbide mononitrate), 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.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: 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.

Possible side effects of Imdur:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dizziness; headache; nausea.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

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.