Product introduction
Ismo 20 Tablet is a nitrate medicine used to help prevent angina, the chest pain that happens when the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen. It works by widening blood vessels so that blood and oxygen reach the heart more easily. Take it in the dose and for the duration your doctor prescribes, with or without food, and keep taking it regularly to prevent future attacks. This medicine is meant to prevent chest pain, not to relieve an attack that has already started.
Storage: Store below 30°C, in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.
Uses of Ismo 20 Tablet
- Prevention of angina (heart-related chest pain)
Benefits of Ismo 20 Tablet
Ismo 20 Tablet relaxes and widens blood vessels, which improves blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle. This eases the strain on the heart and helps prevent the chest discomfort of angina, reducing how often attacks occur. Combining it with a healthy diet, regular exercise and quitting smoking makes it work even better.
Side effects of Ismo 20 Tablet
Most side effects do not require medical attention and go away as your body adjusts. Consult your doctor if they persist.
- Headache
- Flushing
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
How to use Ismo 20 Tablet
Take this medicine in the dose and for the length of time advised by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not chew, crush or break it. It can be taken with or without food, but taking it at the same time each day helps it work best.
How Ismo 20 Tablet works
Isosorbide mononitrate is a nitrate that widens both the arteries and veins. Widening the veins lets blood pool in the periphery and reduces the amount of blood returning to the heart, which lowers the heart's workload and its need for oxygen. This helps prevent the chest pain of angina.
Substitutes for Ismo 20 Tablet
No other medicine with the same composition is listed in our catalogue yet. Message us on WhatsApp and our pharmacist will help you find a suitable alternative.
Safety advice
Alcohol should be used with caution with Ismo 20 Tablet, as together they may lower blood pressure further and increase dizziness.
The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. Use it only if your doctor considers it necessary.
This medicine may be unsafe during breastfeeding as it could pass into breast milk. Talk to your doctor before using it.
It can cause dizziness or blurred vision and reduce alertness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you notice these effects.
It is generally safe for people with kidney disease, and no dose change is usually needed. Follow your doctor's advice.
It is generally safe for people with liver disease, and no dose adjustment is usually required. Follow your doctor's advice.
Quick tips
- Take it regularly to prevent angina; it will not relieve a chest-pain attack that has already begun.
- Headache is the most common side effect, especially at first, and usually eases as your body adjusts; tell your doctor if it is severe.
- Do not take medicines for erectile dysfunction (such as sildenafil) with this medicine, as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- Follow your dosing schedule closely, as taking it incorrectly can reduce its effect over time (tolerance).
- Do not stop the medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor.
Fact box
| Chemical class | Isosorbides |
|---|---|
| Habit forming | No |
| Therapeutic class | CARDIAC |
| Action class | Nitric Oxide (NO) Donors |
Frequently asked questions
Can Ismo 20 Tablet stop an angina attack that has already started?
No. This medicine is used to prevent angina, not to relieve an attack that is already happening. For sudden chest pain, use the fast-acting medicine your doctor has advised for such situations.
When should I take it?
It is usually taken once a day, often in the morning. Follow your doctor's schedule closely, as the timing helps prevent your body from getting used to the medicine and losing its effect.
Why does it give me a headache?
Headache is the most common side effect because the medicine widens blood vessels. It often improves after the first few days; tell your doctor if it is severe or does not settle.
Can I take erectile dysfunction medicines with it?
No. Combining this medicine with erectile dysfunction drugs such as sildenafil can cause a sudden and dangerous fall in blood pressure. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take.
Can I stop taking it once I feel better?
No. Do not stop it on your own, as this can bring back chest pain. Speak to your doctor, who will guide you on how to reduce or stop it safely.