Ismo (Isosorbide)

Description

Many individuals who have heart disease also experience chest pain. To relieve the chest pain, doctors may prescribe a medication known as Ismo, which is a nitrate vasodilator.

Nitrate vasodilators operate by widening the blood vessels around your heart, thereby enabling more efficient blood flow. By creating a smoother and easier pathway for the blood, the chest pain diminishes. Upon taking Ismo, you’ll find that it takes some time for the drug to work. Since the effects of the drug are not immediate, if you are looking for something to work instantly, you may want to consider a different medication.

When Should Ismo Not be Prescribed?

Ismo is not ideal for individuals who are allergic to any active ingredients or nitrate medications. In addition, those who are taking medications such as sildenafil, tadalafil, riociguant, or vardenafil should not take Ismo. If you have taken any of these medications concurrently with Ismo, then you should contact your doctor immediately, as severe and adverse side effects may develop.

If you are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant, then you also may want to discuss this issue with your doctor. While there is no full consensus, there are some doctors who are concerned about Ismo causing harm to the fetus.

Dosage Information

You should always take medication under the supervision of your doctor, which also means abiding by the right dosage amount.

Generally, Ismo is prescribed in tablet form. Most people are told to take Ismo twice daily, with each dose being about seven hours apart. Due to the time frame between doses, most take the first dosage of Ismo in the morning and the second dosage in the evening. In addition, since Ismo can also lead to wakefulness, you should take it as soon as you wake up in the morning. Otherwise, you’ll find it difficult to sleep.

Ismo Side Effects

Before taking any medication, it is necessary to understand any side effects that are involved. If you experience mild and common side effects, then there is nothing to be concerned about. Below are the most common side effects attributed to Ismo:

 Headache
 Dizziness

On the other hand, some people experience severe side effects. If you find that you are experiencing any of the below side effects, then you should seek medical attention and contact your doctor immediately:

 Rash
 Chest tightness
 Swollen mouth
 Slow heartbeat
 Relentless dizziness
 Hives
 Itching
 Facial swelling

The sooner you get medical attention, the lower the risk that Ismo will lead to permanent health issues. Therefore, when taking Ismo, you should pay attention to any changes in your health.

Missing a Dose or Overdosing

For those who miss a dose, it is recommended to take the missing dose as soon as possible. The only exception to this is if you have an upcoming dose. In this case, do not take two doses, but just continue your medication regularly.

Lastly, you should store Ismo at room temperature and away from any excessive heat or moisture.