Isosorbide dinitrate, also known as isosorbide dinitrate, is a type of medication that works as a vasodilator, which serves to increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. That is why it serves to treat and reduce the symptoms of heart failure, as it prevents chest pain, esophageal spasms, as well as other disorders caused by low blood flow to the heart, among which the pictures of hypertensive crisis.
Index
Benefits of using isosorbide dinitrate
This drug is one of the most useful and beneficial for humans, this is because its relaxing action on vascular smooth muscles causes a vasodilator effect on the arteries, which allows to combat the symptoms and discomforts of various diseases. Among the most relevant benefits regarding the consumption or use of isosorbide dinitrate are the following:
Isosorbide dinitrate is ideal for reducing chest pain
The pains that appear in the chest are known as angina pectoris, these represent the oppression of the retrosternal area; which is caused by oxygen deficiency in the blood supply that goes to the heart muscles.
Anginas are part of the symptoms generated by arterial diseases and can be prevented with sublingual isosorbide dinitrate, this is because this medicine relaxes the blood vessels in order for the heart to support working with the various irregularities generated by the disorders. arterial.
On the other hand, it is important to note that there are several types of angina that can be treated with isosorbide dinitrate, these types of angina are the following:
- Angina pectoris: it is typical of coronary artery disease.
- Exertional angina: This is due to a significant decrease in blood flow to the heart.
- Acute or unstable angina: It is considered a dangerous disorder since it can occur without the need for physical effort.
It is necessary to take into account that each of the types of angina requires a different medication model and this must be assigned by the medical specialist.
Reduces the appearance of esophageal spasms and controls their symptoms
Esophageal spasms are about the appearance of continuous contractions in the esophagus and are the result of various disorders related to esophageal motility. Generally, this medical condition implies certain risks for the patient when ingesting solid or liquid substances, as it causes dysphagia, regurgitation and chest pain.
On the other hand, although esophageal spasms are a rather peculiar pathology, there are various medications that allow to combat the symptoms related to this disorder. It is important to note that one of the drugs most used to treat this problem is sublingual isosorbide dinitrate, since it relaxes the smooth muscle of the esophagus, ending the spasm.
Combat diseases related to heart failure
Heart failure is a pathology that occurs due to the inability of the heart to pump blood in the quantities necessary to supply the needs of the individual’s tissues and organs.
This disorder can generate a wide variety of diseases, as well as multiple symptoms ranging from fatigue, uncontrolled heart rhythm, shortness of breath, among others, however, the drug isosorbide dinitrate has been shown to control and combat development of diseases related to heart failure, among which coronary artery disease stands out.
It is useful in patients with hypertensive emergencies
Hypertensive crises or emergencies are caused by irregular elevation of blood pressure. They are considered a serious disorder because they are capable of causing cerebrovascular accidents, as well as alterations with respect to the functionality of any organ of the human body, therefore, the treatment for this type of disorder is extremely delicate.
It should be noted that it has been shown in various medical studies that isosorbide dinitrate acts as an effective drug to treat episodes of hypertensive emergencies, this without causing relevant side effects.
Improves stability in the functioning of the heart
By using this drug it is possible to have a greater stability with respect to the functioning of the heart, this has been shown by multiple medical trials, as well as the results of patients using the drug. However, it is necessary to clarify that isosorbide dinitrate does not have the ability to eradicate existing problems in the cardiovascular system, since it is designed exclusively to prevent certain episodes of them; that is, the problems will be present, however, the seizures will not be frequent during the consumption of this drug.
Relevant aspects of isosorbide dinitrate
As with most drugs, it is important to know certain aspects related to isosorbide dinitrate, this in order to have greater safety and confidence when using it. Among the most relevant factors and aspects of this drug, the following stand out:
Isosorbide dinitrate: recommended dose
As mentioned above, the dose of this medicine can vary with each disorder and this is usually established by the doctor. However, generally the doses of this medicine are usually:
- For esophageal spasms: 10 to 30 mg four times a day in adult patients.
- For acute attacks of angina: 2.5 to 5 mg to treat attacks in adults or the elderly.
- For angina attacks due to coronary heart disease: in adults, treatment is started with 5 to 20 mg 3 times a day, this with conventional formula isosorbide dinitrates.
Isosorbide dinitrate: price
To buy isosorbide dinitrate it is necessary to know that it is possible to resort to virtual stores, as well as physical pharmacies. On the other hand, it should be taken into account that the value of this drug may vary with the geographical area, as well as with the number of pills, the version and the manufacturer of the product.
However, the average price for a 40-tablet box of isosorbide dinitrate is between $ 190.23.
Isosorbide dinitrate: interactions
Although this is one of the most useful drugs with respect to the treatment of diseases related to some arterial disorders, it is necessary to bear in mind that its administration is extremely delicate. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid the use of certain medications during isosorbide dinitrate treatment.
Medications to avoid while using isosorbide dinitrate include the following:
- Antihypertensive drugs.
- Peripheral vasodilator drugs.
- Opioid agonists.
- Beta-blocking drugs.
- Calcium antagonists.
- Treatments with prilocaine or other local anesthetics.
- Among others.
Contraindications of isosorbide dinitrate
As with other drugs, there are certain cases in which the use of isosorbide dinitrate is completely contraindicated, this is because it could generate serious adverse effects, which would be harmful to the health of the patient.
Therefore, it is necessary to avoid the use of this drug in the following cases:
- In case the patient shows signs of hypersensitivity to nitrates.
- If the patient has orthostatic hypotension or hypovolemia.
- If the patient has recently suffered from a myocardial infarction.
- In case the patient suffers from increased intracranial pressure, as the drug could cause bleeding.
- If the patient suffers from glaucoma.
- In cases of anemia, since the drug increases the oxidation of hemoglobin, a factor that worsens such disease.
- During pregnancy or the breastfeeding process.
- If the patient is under 18 years of age.
In addition, it is extremely important to bear in mind that the individual who is following a treatment with isosorbide dinitrate should not abruptly discontinue the use of the drug, since it could generate a rebound effect and aggravate their health.
Side effects of isosorbide dinitrate
The use of this medicine, either correctly or incorrectly, can cause a series of adverse effects, among which are weakness, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, palpitations, collapse, tachycardia, fainting, syncope, among others. Therefore, it is extremely important to follow the treatment correctly, in order to avoid the appearance of effects that can significantly harm health.
Conclusion: Is it advisable to use isosorbide dinitrate?
Isosorbide dinitrate treatment should only be used if the doctor sees it necessary, this is because it is a drug that can cause serious damage to the body if it is not used correctly. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid self-medication under any circumstances; instead, it is suggested that the individual go to a medical center where the pertinent studies are carried out in order to obtain adequate treatment.
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.