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Compare Monoket vs. Isordil

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) and isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) are both nitrate vasodilators used to treat angina, but they have some key differences. Isosorbide mononitrate is available in both immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) forms, with the IR taken twice daily and the ER taken once daily. In contrast, isosorbide dinitrate is available as a short-acting tablet taken 2 or 3 times daily and a long-acting capsule, which is only available as a brand name and can be more expensive. Isosorbide mononitrate generally lasts longer, with IR tablets lasting 6 to 10 hours, while isosorbide dinitrate's short-acting tablets last 4 to 6 hours. Both medications can cause headaches and dizziness, and you should avoid alcohol and erectile dysfunction medications while taking them. However, isosorbide mononitrate has a generic version available for both its IR and ER forms, making it potentially more affordable.

  • Isosorbide mononitrate
    Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)
  • Isosorbide mononitrate
    Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)

  • Summary of Monoket vs. Isordil

    Summary for Nitrate vasodilator
    Prescription only

    Isosorbide mononitrate works well for adults who have a specific type of chest pain (called angina). This medication belongs to a drug class called nitrate vasodilators that helps relax your blood vessels. The immediate-release version (IR) is taken twice a day, usually 7 hours apart; whereas the extended-release version (ER) is taken once daily in the morning. Although isosorbide mononitrate doesn't have many side effects, you might have a headache or feel dizzy after you take the medication.

    Summary for Vasodilator
    Prescription only

    Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) is good for a specific type of chest pain (called angina), but it can cause headaches after you take it.

  • Indications of Monoket vs. Isordil

    Indications for
    •Angina (a specific type of chest pain) caused by heart disease
    Indications for
    •Chest pain caused by angina

  • Pros and Cons of Monoket vs. Isordil

    Pros and Const for Nitrate vasodilator
    Pros
    •Can help prevent chest pain that's caused by heart disease
    •Available as a lower-cost generic version
    •Not known to affect the kidneys so people with kidney problems should be able to take the usual dose
    •Long-acting version (ER tablet) only needs to be taken once daily
    Cons
    •Commonly causes headaches
    •Can cause dizziness, especially when you change positions
    •Shouldn't take erectile dysfunction medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra), because of risk of dangerously low blood pressure
    •Must take short-acting IR tablets on a very specific schedule for the medication to work best
    Pros and Const for Vasodilator
    Pros
    •Good at relieving chest pain caused by heart disease
    •Short-acting tablet is available as a generic version, making it less expensive
    Cons
    •Has to be taken on a very specific schedule for the medication to work best
    •Daily headaches are a common side effect.
    •Can cause dizziness, especially when you change positions
    •Interacts with erectile dysfunction medications
    •Long-acting capsule is available as brand name only, making it more expensive

  • Common Side Effects of Monoket vs. Isordil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 57%)
    •Dizziness (up to 11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dizziness

  • Warnings of Monoket vs. Isordil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Tolerance to the medication
    Common Side Effects for
    •LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
    •TOLERANCE

  • Prices with our coupons for Monoket vs. Isordil

    Learn more about Isosorbide mononitrate
    Learn more about Isosorbide dinitrate

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