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Compare Monoket vs. Nitrostat

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

Key takeaways

Isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) and nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) are both nitrate vasodilators used to help with angina, but they have different uses and dosing schedules. Isosorbide mononitrate is taken daily to prevent chest pain over the long term, with immediate-release tablets taken twice a day and extended-release tablets taken once daily. In contrast, nitroglycerin is used for immediate relief of chest pain and is taken as needed, with tablets placed under the tongue or against the cheek. Nitroglycerin works quickly, within 1 to 3 minutes, while isosorbide mononitrate is not suitable for fast relief. Both medications can cause headaches and low blood pressure, and you should avoid alcohol and erectile dysfunction medications while taking them. Isosorbide mononitrate is available in a generic form, while nitroglycerin is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Isosorbide mononitrate
    Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
  • Isosorbide mononitrate
    Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)

  • Summary of Monoket vs. Nitrostat

    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 Nitrate
    Prescription only

    Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) is a fast-acting medication that’s used to prevent and treat angina (or chest pain). It helps with angina by allowing more blood to flow to the heart. Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) is a tablet that’s placed under your tongue or against the cheek inside your mouth. Side effects include low blood pressure and headache. Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Monoket vs. Nitrostat

    Indications for
    •Angina (a specific type of chest pain) caused by heart disease
    Indications for
    •Prevention and treatment of angina (chest pain due to tight blood vessels in the heart)

  • Pros and Cons of Monoket vs. Nitrostat

    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 Nitrate
    Pros
    •Works well to relieve heart-related chest pain
    •Works quickly (within 1 to 3 minutes)
    •Can be used to prevent chest pain due to activities like exercise
    •Available as a lower-cost generic form
    Cons
    •Can cause bothersome headaches
    •Can cause low blood pressure
    •Can't take with alcohol
    •Same dose might not work as well over time (develop tolerance to the medication)

  • Common Side Effects of Monoket vs. Nitrostat

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 57%)
    •Dizziness (up to 11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Headache
    •Tingling or burning feeling in the mouth

  • Warnings of Monoket vs. Nitrostat

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Tolerance to the medication
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tolerance
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worse chest pain
    •Headache

  • Prices with our coupons for Monoket vs. Nitrostat

    Learn more about Isosorbide mononitrate
    Learn more about Nitroglycerin

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