Isosorbide Mononitrate Uses

Isosorbide mononitrate is used to prevent chest pain (angina) in adults with coronary heart disease (buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart). This medication is only used to prevent chest pain. It cannot be used to treat an angina attack once it has begun.

There may be other uses of isosorbide mononitrate—your doctor or pharmacist can give you further drug information.

Isosorbide Mononitrate Mechanism of Action

Isosorbide mononitrate is a vasodilator, i.e., it widens or relaxes the blood vessels. This increases blood supply to the heart and helps meet myocardial oxygen demand, thus relieving chest pain.

Isosorbide Mononitrate Doses

Isosorbide mononitrate is available as an immediate-release tablet and an extended-release (long-acting) tablet and capsule. The usual dose is 20 mg twice a day, with the two doses taken 7 hours apart. The usual dose of the extended-release forms of isosorbide mononitrate is 30 mg or 60 mg once a day in the morning.

Your doctor may prescribe a lower first dose of 5 mg if you have a small stature and increase it to 10 mg after 2-3 days. Dosage adjustment may be necessary for elderly patients.