Ismotic

Brand Names

Dilatrate-SR, Imdur, Ismo, Ismotic, Isoditrate, Isordil, Monoket

What is Ismotic

Ismotic is a 45% w/v solution of isosorbide in a vanilla-mint flavored vehicle. Ismotic is a caramel colored aqueous solution that is chemically stable at room temperature.

Side effects of Ismotic

The most common side effects of Ismotic include:

• headache
• rash
• dizziness
• upset stomach
• headache
• flushing (feeling of warmth)

The following side effects are considered to be serious:

• blurred vision
• dry mouth
• chest pain
• fainting

Indication

Ismotic is used for prevention or treatment of chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing the blood vessels to the heart, so the blood and oxygen supply to the heart is increased.

Ismotic controls chest pain, but does not cure it. It is very important to complete the treatment even if you feel well, because chest pain can return.

Precautions

You should tell your doctor if you have:

• allergic reactions to ismotic; nitroglycerin tablets, patches or ointment or any other drugs
• are taking any other prescription and non-prescription medications, especially aspirin; beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), labetalol (Trandate, Normodyne), metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace) and timolol (Blocadren); calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem), felodipine (Plendil), isradipine (DynaCirc), nifedipine (Procardia) and verapamil (Calan, Isoptin); dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45); sildenafil (Viagra); tadalafil (Cialis); vardenafil (Levitra) and vitamins
• or have ever had low red blood cell counts (anemia), glaucoma or recent head trauma
• are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding
• are having surgery, including dental surgery

Alcohol consumption is not recommended while you are taking this medication.

You should avoid drive a car or operate machinery, because Ismotic can make you drowsy or dizzy.

Dosage forms

The recommended initial dose of Ismotic is 1.5 gm/kg body weight (equivalent to 1.5 ml /lb. of body weight). The onset of action is usually within 30 minutes while the maximum effect is expected at 1-1 1/2 hours. The useful dose range is 1 to 3 gm/kg body weight and the drug effect will persist up to 5-6 hours. Use 2-4 times a day as indicated. Palatability may be improved if the medication is poured over cracked ice and sipped.