Drug Name

Sorbitrate (Isosorbide)

Drug Uses

Sorbitrate is used for preventing symptoms of angina (chest pain) caused by heart disease. Sorbitrate is used alone or with other medicines. Sorbitrate is not intended for the immediate relief of acute attacks of angina. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Sorbitrate as directed by your doctor.

• Take Sorbitrate by mouth on an empty stomach with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).

Drug Class and Mechanism

Sorbitrate is a nitrate. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the body, allowing them to widen. This lets more blood flow through the blood vessels, which reduces the work the heart has to do to pump blood. This reduces the oxygen needs of the heart and decreases chest pain.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Sorbitrate, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Sorbitrate at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Sorbitrate out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Sorbitrate if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Sorbitrate;
• you are taking a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (eg, sildenafil), a medicine often used for sexual dysfunction.

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Sorbitrate may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• When you begin taking Sorbitrate, it may give you a headache. This usually becomes less noticeable with time. This is a sign that the medicine is working. Do not change your dosing schedule to avoid headaches. Take aspirin or acetaminophen with Sorbitrate to avoid headaches.
• Sorbitrate should not be used in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Sorbitrate while you are pregnant. It is not known if Sorbitrate is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Sorbitrate, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• dizziness; flushing of the face and neck; headache; lightheadedness.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); fainting; frequent, continuing, or severe chest pain; nausea; rapid or slow heartbeat; vomiting.

More Information

Sorbitrate is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.