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Isosorbide Mononitrate Coupon - Isosorbide Mononitrate 10mg tablet

isosorbide mononitrate

Generic Monoket
Used for Angina
Used for Angina

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.

Last reviewed on September 27, 2023
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What is Isosorbide mononitrate?

What is Isosorbide mononitrate used for?

How Isosorbide mononitrate works

Isosorbide mononitrate is a nitrate vasodilator. It helps relax your blood vessels. This makes it easier for your heart to pump, relieving heart-related chest pain.

Are you looking for information on isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMonoket
Drug ClassNitrate vasodilator
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$203.28(save 90.53%)
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What are the side effects of Isosorbide mononitrate?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

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

Other Side Effects

  • Flushing
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Muscle pain or weakness
  • Upset stomach
  • Low blood pressure

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Overdose: confusion, blurred vision or changes in vision, heart palpitations, feeling like you're going to pass out (especially when standing up)

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Abnormal heart sound

absence of or decrease in body movement

arm, back, or jaw pain

black, tarry stools

bladder pain

bleeding after defecation

bleeding gums

blood in the urine or stools

blurred vision

body aches or pain

burning while urinating

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

chest pain or discomfort

chest tightness or heaviness

chills

cold sweats

colds

confusion

convulsions

cough or hoarseness

decreased urine

diarrhea

difficult or labored breathing

difficult, burning, or painful urination

dilated neck veins

dizziness

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

dry mouth

ear congestion

extra heartbeats

fainting

fast, slow, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

fever or chills

flu-like symptoms

frequent urge to urinate

frequent urination

general feeling of discomfort or illness

headache

headache, severe and throbbing

heart murmur

increased need to urinate

increased sweating

increased thirst

increased volume of pale, dilute urine

irregular breathing

itching, pain, redness, or swelling on the leg

joint pain, stiffness, or swelling

lightheadedness

loss of appetite

loss of voice

lower back, side, or stomach pain

muscle aches and pains

muscle cramps

nasal congestion

nausea or vomiting

nervousness

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

pain, tension, and weakness upon walking that subsides during periods of rest

partial or slight paralysis

passing urine more often

pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin

pounding in the ears

runny nose

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

shivering

sneezing

sore on the leg

sore throat

sudden decrease in the amount of urine

sweating

swelling

swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

tightness in the chest

trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

trouble sleeping

troubled breathing

uncomfortable swelling around the anus

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

weakness

weight gain

Rare

Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms

dark urine

pale skin

rapid heart rate

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Blurred or loss of vision

bulging soft spot on the head of an infant

change in consciousness

change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow

cold, clammy skin

disturbed color perception

double vision

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

halos around lights

headache, severe and throbbing

loss of consciousness

night blindness

overbright appearance of lights

paralysis

sensation of spinning

tunnel vision

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

anxiety

back pain

belching

blemishes on the skin

bloated

breast pain

burning feeling in the chest or stomach

burning, dry, or itching eyes

change in color vision

changes in vision

cold sweats

congestion

constipation

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

cough producing mucus

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

difficulty seeing at night

difficulty with moving

discharge, excessive tearing

double vision

drooping upper eyelids

dull ache or feeling of pressure or heaviness in the legs

earache

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

feeling of warmth

feeling unusually cold

frequent urge to defecate

frozen shoulder

full feeling

hearing loss

heartburn

hyperventilation

inability to have or keep an erection

increased appetite

increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight

increased sputum

indigestion

irritability

itching skin near damaged veins

lack or loss of strength

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

muscle or bone pain

muscle stiffness or weakness

nightmares

noisy breathing

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

passing gas

pimples

poor concentration

rash

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

redness, swelling, or soreness of the tongue

restlessness

seeing double

sensation of spinning

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

small clicking, bubbling, or rattling sounds in the lung when listening with a stethoscope

small lumps under the skin

sore mouth or tongue

stiff neck

stomach bloating, burning, cramping, or pain

stomach discomfort or upset

straining while passing stool

stuffy nose

sudden sweating

swollen feet and ankles

tender, swollen glands in the neck

tenderness in the stomach area

terrifying dreams causing sleep disturbances

tooth disorder

trouble swallowing

uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck

voice changes

weight loss

white patches in the mouth, tongue, or throat

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Isosorbide mononitrate

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Isosorbide mononitrate

pharmacist
  • You need to take isosorbide mononitrate every day for it to work to treat and prevent chest pain. It isn't a medication that you take when you think you're having a heart attack; it doesn't work fast enough to relieve chest pain in this emergency situation. Never take extra doses or suddenly stop taking isosorbide mononitrate unless your provider tells you to do so.

    • For immediate-release isosorbide mononitrate tablets: The immediate-release tablets are taken as 2 doses per day (about 7 hours apart), at the same times each day. This dosing schedule gives you a "nitrate-free" gap between each day to help lower the risk of having tolerance to the medication (when it doesn't work as well for you anymore). Ask your provider or pharmacist if you need help planning when to take your doses. Set reminders on your phone to help you remember when to take your doses.

      • For extended-release isosorbide mononitrate tablets: Take the extended-release tablets once a day in the morning when you wake up. Swallow the tablet whole with at least a half cup of liquid; don't crush or chew the tablet.

        • Isosorbide mononitrate can cause headaches. As you continue taking the medication, you might have fewer headaches and they should eventually go away. Tell your provider if the headaches are really bothersome. Your provider might recommend that you take aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help with headache pain.

          • You might feel dizzy or lightheaded while you're taking isosorbide mononitrate, especially when you change positions. To help lessen dizziness, stand up slowly after sitting or lying down.

            • Don't drink alcohol while you're taking isosorbide mononitrate. Mixing alcohol with this medication can make you really dizzy, particularly when you stand up from a seated position.

              • You can develop a tolerance to isosorbide mononitrate over time, which means the dose you've been taking doesn't work as well. Your provider might tell you to take a break from taking isosorbide mononitrate to help prevent this problem. Tell your provider if your chest pain comes back or if it gets worse.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Isosorbide mononitrate

                Can I take isosorbide mononitrate at night?
                Isosorbide mononitrate isn't typically taken at night. The immediate-release tablets are taken as 2 doses each day, about 7 hours apart, and at the same times every day. It's recommended to take your first dose in the morning when you wake up and then the second dose 7 hours later (for example, 8 AM, then 2 PM). For the extended-release tablets, it's recommended that you take the medication in the morning after you wake up. These dosing schedules make sure that you have a "nitrate-free" gap between each day (which goes through the night). This helps lower your risk of developing tolerance to the medication (when it doesn't work as well for you anymore). Ask your provider or pharmacist to help plan out when you should take your doses.
                How do I stop taking isosorbide mononitrate?
                Work with your provider to lower your isosorbide mononitrate dose gradually over time so that you can stop taking the medication safely. It's possible that stopping isosorbide mononitrate suddenly can cause worsening chest pain. This chest pain can feel more intense or painful than it was before you began taking isosorbide mononitrate.
                How long does isosorbide mononitrate stay in your system?
                Isosorbide mononitrate doesn't stay in your system for very long. Most of the medication leaves your body in about 1 to 1.5 days, depending on whether you're taking the immediate-release or the extended-release form. These time frames are estimated based on the half-lives of immediate-release and extended-release forms of isosorbide mononitrate. Keep in mind that how long the medication stays in your system also depends on things like your age and your liver health.
                Does isosorbide mononitrate lower blood pressure?
                It's possible for isosorbide mononitrate can cause low blood pressure, though it's usually not a problem for most people. But your blood pressure can drop to dangerous levels if you drink alcohol or take other medications that can also lower your blood pressure (e.g., medications for erectile dysfunction) with isosorbide mononitrate. Severely low blood pressure can lead to fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, blurred vision, and heart palpitations. Get medical help if you experience very low blood pressure.
                Can you take Viagra with isosorbide mononitrate?
                Avoid taking isosorbide mononitrate with medications that help with erectile dysfunction (ED) like sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis). Taking these types of medications with isosorbide mononitrate can cause your blood pressure to become dangerously low and raise your risk of fainting. Let your provider know if you're using any medications for ED before you start taking isosorbide mononitrate.
                What's the difference between the immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) versions of isosorbide mononitrate?
                Both immediate-release and extended-release versions of isosorbide mononitrate contain the same active ingredient. They're both taken every day to help prevent angina. The IR tablets last about 6 to 10 hours and need to be taken using a specific dosing schedule (2 doses a day, about 7 hours apart). On the other hand, studies show that the ER tablets last for at least 12 hours, and you only need to take it once a day. Speak with your provider about which version of isosorbide mononitrate best fits your needs.
                What's the difference between isosorbide dinitrate and isosorbide mononitrate?
                Isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) are both nitrate vasodilators that work to help with angina by widening your blood vessels. Both isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) are available as immediate-release tablets, but they differ in terms of how long their effects last. Immediate-release isosorbide mononitrate tablets last about 6 to 10 hours, allowing for twice-daily dosing. On the other hand, immediate-release isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) tablets last about 4 to 6 hours, so it's taken two or three times a day. And unlike isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) doesn't have a once-daily, extended-release option. Talk with your provider about whether isosorbide mononitrate or isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) is best for you.
                Is isosorbide mononitrate the same as nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)?
                While both isosorbide mononitrate and nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) are both nitrate vasodilators that work by widening your blood vessels to help with angina, they aren't the same medication. Isosorbide mononitrate is a medication that's taken every day to help with chest pain in the long-run. On the other hand, nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) is used as needed to relieve chest pain (which commonly happens during a heart attack) since it works very quickly.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Isosorbide mononitrate?

                Isosorbide mononitrate can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Low blood pressure

                • Risk factors: Using erectile dysfunction medications | Taking other medications that can lower blood pressure | Alcohol use

                  Your blood pressure can drop while you're taking isosorbide mononitrate, particularly when you change positions (going from sitting to standing). You might feel dizzy or fall when changing positions so be sure stand up slowly and hold onto something stable. Note that your blood pressure can drop to dangerous levels if you take erectile dysfunction medications or other blood-pressure-lowering medications or drink alcohol with isosorbide mononitrate. Contact your provider right away if you feel like you're going to pass out or if you experience irregular heartbeat, changes in vision, more sweating, or cold and clammy skin. Talk to your provider if you still feel dizzy or have a fast heart rate as you continue to take isosorbide mononitrate.

                  risk-warning

                  Tolerance to the medication

                  • Risk factors: Long-term use

                    Your body can get used to isosorbide mononitrate, meaning that the same amount of medication might no longer work as well as it used to. This is called tolerance. Raising the dose of the medication doesn't always help fix tolerance.

                    To prevent tolerance to isosorbide mononitrate, it's important to follow the dosing schedule that you and your provider came up with every day. This makes sure that there's enough time in between your doses for most of isosorbide mononitrate to clear from your system so that the medication can work again when you take your next dose. Discuss with your provider about a dosing schedule that works best for you. Also tell your provider if you notice that your chest pain starts to get worse.

                    dosage

                    Isosorbide mononitrate dosage forms

                    The average cost for 60 tablets of 10mg of Isosorbide mononitrate is $21.09 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 89.63% off the average retail price of $203.28.
                    tablet
                    Tablet
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    10mg60 tablets$21.09$0.35
                    20mg60 tablets$19.25$0.32

                    Typical dosing for Isosorbide mononitrate

                    Isosorbide mononitrate is available as an immediate-release tablet that's short-acting and an extended-release tablet that's long-acting.

                    • Immediate-release tablet (Monoket and generics): The typical dose is 20 mg by mouth twice daily, given 7 hours apart.

                    • Extended-release tablet (generic only): The typical starting dose is 30 mg or 60 mg by mouth once daily in the morning.

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Isosorbide mononitrate and other drugs

                    Isosorbide mononitrate may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Isosorbide mononitrate. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

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                    How much does Isosorbide mononitrate cost?

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                    contraindications-icon

                    Isosorbide mononitrate contraindications

                    Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Isosorbide mononitrate will not be safe for you to take.
                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Isosorbide mononitrate?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Isosorbide mononitrate. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Isosorbide mononitrate
                    Used for:
                    $19.25 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Used for:
                    • Chest pain caused by angina

                    $28.85 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Used for:
                    $4.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    images

                    Isosorbide mononitrate images

                    White Round Ku 106 And 10 - Isosorbide Mononitrate 10mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Ku 106" And "10".White Round Ku 106 And 10 - Isosorbide Mononitrate 10mg Tablet

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Actavis Pharma, Inc. (2022). Isosorbide mononitrate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Aurobindo Pharma Limited. (2022). Isosorbide mononitrate tablet, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Balasubramanian, S., et al. (2023). Isosorbide. StatPearls.

                    View All References (4)
                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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