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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

 

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Nitroglycerin

(Nitrostat)

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Summary for Monoket

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.

Indications for Monoket

Pros and Cons for Monoket

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

Common Side Effects for Monoket

  • Headache (up to 57%)
  • Dizziness (up to 11%)

Warnings for Monoket

  • Low blood pressure
  • Tolerance to the medication

Summary for Nitrostat

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 for Nitrostat

  • Prevention and treatment of angina (chest pain due to tight blood vessels in the heart)

Pros and Cons for Nitrostat

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 for Nitrostat

  • Low blood pressure
  • Headache
  • Tingling or burning feeling in the mouth

Warnings for Nitrostat

  • Tolerance
  • Low blood pressure
  • Worse chest pain
  • Headache

Prices with our coupons for Monoket vs. Nitrostat

Price Card Drug Icon
Isosorbide Mononitrate60 tablets / 20mg
$27.56$242.08
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Price Card Drug Icon
Nitroglycerin25 sublingual tablets / 0.4mg
$9.00$9.00
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