Isosorbide dinitrate Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 25, 2022.

Summary

Commonly reported side effects of isosorbide dinitrate include: headache. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to isosorbide dinitrate: capsule extended release, tablet, tablet extended release.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, isosorbide dinitrate 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 while taking isosorbide dinitrate:

Rare

Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms
dark urine
difficulty with breathing
dizziness or lightheadedness
fever
headache
pale skin
rapid heart rate
sore throat
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Arm, back, or jaw pain
blurred vision
chest pain or discomfort
chest tightness or heaviness
confusion
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
fainting
fast or irregular heartbeat
sweating

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking isosorbide dinitrate:

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
convulsions
disturbed color perception
double vision
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
halos around lights
headache, severe and throbbing
increased sweating
loss of appetite
loss of consciousness
nausea
night blindness
overbright appearance of lights
paralysis
sensation of spinning
slow heartbeat
tunnel vision
vomiting

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to isosorbide dinitrate: oral capsule extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet extended release, sublingual tablet.

General

The most common side effect was headache.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Frequency not reported: Headache, dizziness, syncope, lightheadedness^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Decrease in blood pressure and/or orthostatic hypotension with reflex tachycardia and symptoms/signs of cerebral ischemia (including drowsiness and dizziness and weakness) with first time use and when the dose is increased

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Marked decreases in blood pressure with an aggravation of symptomatic angina pectoris, collapse associated with bradycardia and cardiac rhythm disturbances

Frequency not reported: Pallor, crescendo angina, rebound hypertension, hypotension^[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral edema in patients treated for left ventricular failure^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Allergic skin reactions

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Exfoliative dermatitis/Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or angioedema

Frequency not reported: Cutaneous vasodilation with flushing, excessive perspiration, rash^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nausea and vomiting

Frequency not reported: Heartburn^[Ref]

Endocrine

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Pituitary apoplexy in patients with undiagnosed pituitary tumors^[Ref]

Ocular

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Angle closure glaucoma^[Ref]

Respiratory

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Alveolar hypoventilation with consequent hypoxemia and the risk of developing a myocardial infarction in patients with coronary heart disease^[Ref]