Isosorbide Dinit-Hydralazine

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times daily.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Tell your doctor if your condition worsens.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to either isosorbide dinitrate or hydralazine; or to similar drugs (such as isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other heart problems (such as recent heart attack, rheumatic heart disease of the mitral valve), previous stroke, low blood pressure, blood vessel problems, dehydration, recent head injury, anemia, kidney problems.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and lightheadedness, which could increase the risk of falls.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Hydralazine passes into breast milk. It is unknown if isosorbide dinitrate passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: certain drugs to treat migraine headaches (ergot alkaloids such as ergotamine), drugs to treat erectile dysfunction-ED or pulmonary hypertension (such as sildenafil, tadalafil), MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine), riociguat, vericiguat.

Some products have ingredients that could worsen your heart failure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

Isosorbide dinitrate is very similar to isosorbide mononitrate. Do not use medications containing isosorbide mononitrate while using isosorbide dinitrate.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as blood cholesterol levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: slow heartbeat, vision changes, severe nausea/vomiting, sweating, cold/clammy skin, bluish fingers/toes/lips, chest/jaw/left arm pain.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, blood pressure monitoring) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Lifestyle changes such as exercise and dietary changes may help this drug work better. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.