How to Convert From Isordil to Imdur

Isordil and Imdur are both nitrates typically used to treat angina, the most common symptom of coronary artery disease. Angina is the heart pain that results from inadequate supply of oxygen and vital nutrients due to the narrowing of coronary arteries and blood vessels. These nitrates act as vasodilators to relax and widen arteries and blood vessels throughout the body, which allows more blood to flow to the heart, while also reducing its workload. They help treat both the severity and frequency of angina pain.



Your physician may decide to switch medications if Isordil is no longer working optimally.

Instructions

Consult Your Physician

• 1

  Schedule an appointment with your physician. If you would like to initiate a medication change discuss all your symptoms with your physician.

  Despite the fact that they are both nitrates, the chemical structures of Isordil and Imdur differ slightly and thus can produce different results.

• 2

  Keep a diary. Record the times you take Isordil and all symptoms and side effects, the daily activities you perform and any accompanying pain or discomfort that these activities induce. Your physician will also want to know what other medications and supplements you take and when, and what additional personal stress is occurring in your life.

• 3

  Prepare questions to address with your physician. This helps ensure that all of your concerns are addressed in a direct, personalized and efficient manner.

• 4

  Share your diary with your physician. Bring it to your appointment and discuss all of your symptoms and lifestyle changes openly and honestly with your physician. He cannot provide adequate care without all of the facts.

Follow Instructions

• 5

  Follow your physician's treatment plan exactly as indicated.

• 6

  Continue to keep a diary. Treating angina, coronary artery disease and related heart issues is a delicate balance and needs to be continually monitored.

• 7

  Report any side effects to your physician. Despite the fact that both Isordil and Imdur are nitrates, side effects may differ, the most common of which are usually dose related. Because nitrates dilate blood vessels, you may experience headaches or flushing. Nitrates may also cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when rising from a sitting to a standing position, which causes dizziness, palpitations and weakness. To reduce the risk of this, patients should rise slowly from a sitting position.