Imdur

Description

Imdur is a nitrate medication used to treat chest pain (angina) that affects patients with heart disease.

Drug Information

The main active ingredient in Imdur is isosorbide mononitrate, which belongs to a group of drugs called nitrates.

These drugs can dilate blood vessels to reduce pressure. Doing so can relieve pain caused by conditions such as angina.

Angina is a medical term for chest pain. Patients suffering an angina attack may feel a tightening of the chest area akin to a heart attack. The angina is caused by a lack of blood going into the heart, a symptom that Imdur can relieve.

Patients with coronary artery disease are the ones most likely to experience frequent angina attacks. Coronary artery disease is caused by plaque building up inside blood vessels, which increases blood pressure inside vessels.

Imdur does not cure angina. Neither can the drug prevent pain once an angina attack occurs. Imdur cannot prevent chest pain caused by rigorous physical activity such as exercise, either. Imdur is used over a period of time to gradually relieve the pressure inside blood vessels to reduce the occurrence of angina attacks.

Imdur may be combined with other medications to reduce the chance of heart failure in patients afflicted with heart disease.

Dosage

The dosage of Imdur is determined by the prescribing physician. Depending on each individual case, the dosage may vary. The prescribed dosage for Imdur should be followed exactly as instructed.

Imdur tablets are usually prescribed to be taken once a day in the morning soon after waking up. Tablets should be swallowed with a glass of water. Some patients may be required to take Imdur twice a day.

Imdur tablets should be swallowed whole. Crushing or chewing the tablets could release the full dose into the body immediately, which can exacerbate side effects.

Imdur should be taken for the entire period of time for the medicine to be effective. Abruptly stopping the consumption of Imdur can worsen the angina.

Take missed doses as soon as you notice. However, skip a missed dose if it’s too close to the time of the next dose.

Side Effects

Imdur may case one or more of the following side effects:

 Headache
 Dizziness
 Lightheadedness
 Nausea
 Flushing
 Headaches are recommended to be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen. Headaches are a sign that the medication is working as it should.

Side effects should not last for more than a week. In case the side effects do persist, or get worse over time, immediately call a doctor.

Precautions

 Do not take Imdur if allergic to any of the ingredients in the drug. Patients who are allergic to other brands of isosorbide mononitrate may be allergic to Imdur as well.

 Imdur is not recommended for patients with low blood pressure, kidney disease or congestive heart failure. Discuss the safety of taking this medication with the prescribing physician.

 Imdur should not be taken alongside medications for erectile dysfunction such as Viagra and diuretics (water pills).
Patients are not advised to go on low salt diets while taking Imdur.