.
Isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) is a member of the nitrate family of drugs used to prevent angina (chest pain). It is available in immediate-release and extended-release products.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
N-acetyl cysteine
(NAC)
In a double-blind trial, sustained-release ISMN plus oral NAC (2,400 mg twice per day) for two
days led to significantly longer exercise time than ISMN plus placebo.1 This
outcome suggests that NAC may have increased the efficacy of ISMN. There were no differences
in side effects between the two groups.
Vitamin C
Some persons taking nitroglycerin or isosorbide
mononitrate may find that it loses efficacy over time. This is because the body adapts to the
drug, a process known as developing tolerance. One study found that taking 2 grams three times
daily of vitamin C can decrease this effect when nitroglycerin patches are simultaneously
used.2 Similar benefits have been confirmed in another study.3 However,
it should be noted that it is also possible to avoid tolerance to these drugs by simply
changing the dosing schedule. People taking ISMN or nitroglycerin should talk with their
pharmacists about avoiding drug tolerance.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Isosorbide mononitrate should be taken on an empty stomach with a glass of water.4
Imdur® may be taken with or without food5 and should be swallowed whole,
without chewing or crushing.6
Alcohol
Isosorbide mononitrate causes low blood pressure. Alcohol may increase this effect, leading to
dangerously low blood pressure and other side effects.7 To prevent problems, people
taking isosorbide mononitrate should avoid alcohol.
Summary of Interactions for Isosorbide Mononitrate
| Depletion or interference | None known |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | N-acetyl cysteine |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
| Other (see text) | Vitamin C |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
References:
1. Svendsen JH, Klarlund K, Aldershvile J, Waldorff S. N-acetylcysteine modifies the acute effects of isosorbide-5-mononitrate in angina pectoris patients evaluated by exercise testing. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1989;13:320–3.
2. Watanabe H, Kakihana M, Ohtsuka S, Sugishita Y. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the preventive effect of supplemental oral vitamin C on attenuation of development of nitrate tolerance. J Am Coll Cardiol 1998;31:1323–9.
3. Bassenge E, Fink N, Skatchkov M, Fink B. Dietary supplement with vitamin C prevents nitrate tolerance. J Clin Invest 1998;102:67–71.
4. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antianginal Agents, Nitrates. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Apr 1992, 143e.
5. Kosoglou T, Kazierad DJ, Schentag JJ, et al. Effect of food on the oral bioavailability of isosorbide-5-mononitrate administered as an extended-release tablet. J Clin Pharmacol 1995;35:151–8.
6. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antianginal Agents, Nitrates. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Apr 1992, 143e.
7. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antianginal Agents, Nitrates. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Apr 1992, 143e.
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