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Isordil (isosorbide dinitrate) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent angina (chest pain) caused by coronary artery disease.
Isordil is a type of medication called a nitrate. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, including veins and arteries. This reduces the amount of blood returning to the heart and lowers the pressure the heart must pump against.
These effects help reduce the heart’s workload and prevent chest pain (angina).
Doctors prescribe Isordil when they need to prevent angina caused by coronary artery disease, a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed.
Isordil comes as a tablet taken by mouth.
Your doctor will recommend a dosing schedule that includes a period each day when you do not take the medicine. This helps prevent the medicine from becoming less effective over time.
The dose of Isordil depends on how you respond to treatment.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
The most commonly reported side effects of Isordil include:
Isordil can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
If you experience serious side effects, you can report them to the FDA online or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088. You can also contact the drug's manufacturer.
Before starting Isordil, tell your doctor if you:
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Do not take Isordil if you:
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Isordil, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Isordil for heart disease?
In clinical studies, a single dose of Isordil’s active ingredient, isosorbide dinitrate, helped reduce chest pain (angina) during exercise for up to eight hours. In studies where people took multiple doses each day, the benefit was usually strongest after the first dose and became weaker with later doses. Many studies found that the medicine significantly reduced angina for only about two hours after each dose.
Research on similar nitrate medicines suggests that Isordil should not be expected to prevent angina for more than about 12 hours a day. However, no dosing schedule for Isordil has been proven to provide 12 hours of continuous protection.
How long does Isordil take to work for heart disease?
Isordil starts helping prevent chest pain (angina) about one hour after taking a dose by mouth. It does not work quickly enough to relieve an angina attack that has already started.
Can Isordil be used with other medicines for heart disease?
Isordil may be used with other heart medicines, but some combinations can be dangerous. Isordil must not be taken with:
Other medicines that widen blood vessels may increase Isordil’s blood pressure-lowering effects. Alcohol can also increase these effects.
Always tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take before starting Isordil.
On MyHeartDiseaseTeam, people share their experiences with heart disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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