From the Guidelines
Isordil does lower blood pressure as a side effect of its primary mechanism of action to relax and widen blood vessels. The provided evidence does not directly discuss Isordil or its effects on blood pressure [ 1 ]. However, based on general medical knowledge, Isordil (isosorbide dinitrate) is a nitrate that works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily through them. This reduces the workload on the heart and improves blood flow to the heart muscle. Isordil is primarily prescribed for preventing angina (chest pain) but has the side effect of lowering blood pressure as part of its mechanism of action. Some key points to consider when taking Isordil include:
- The medication comes in various forms including tablets and extended-release capsules, with typical dosages ranging from 5-40 mg taken 2-4 times daily depending on the formulation and patient needs.
- When taking Isordil, it's essential to be aware that it can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly, due to the blood pressure-lowering effect.
- Patients should avoid alcohol while taking this medication as it can enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects and increase side effects.
- Isordil should not be taken with erectile dysfunction medications like sildenafil (Viagra) as this combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. The evidence provided [ 1 ] discusses the management of hypotension in the context of heart failure, highlighting the importance of careful medication management to avoid hypotensive symptoms, but it does not directly address Isordil's effect on blood pressure.
From the Research
Effects of Isordil on Blood Pressure
- Isordil, also known as isosorbide dinitrate, is a medication used to treat angina pectoris and severe, uncontrolled hypertension.
- According to a study published in 1987 2, isosorbide dinitrate was found to lower blood pressure in patients with severe, uncontrolled hypertension.
- The study showed that blood pressure dropped from 205 +/- 8/131 +/- 3 to 166 +/- 9/106 +/- 5 mm Hg at 120 minutes after administration of 10 mg of isosorbide dinitrate.
- Another study published in 1977 3 found that swallowed isosorbide dinitrate decreased blood pressure levels and increased heart rate in patients with coronary artery disease.
- However, a case report published in 2021 4 found that a patient taking high doses of sublingual isosorbide dinitrate for angina pectoris did not experience a decrease in blood pressure.
Mechanism of Action
- Isosorbide dinitrate works by causing arterial and venous vasodilation, which increases coronary artery blood supply and decreases cardiac preload and afterload 4.
- This mechanism of action can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, as seen in some studies 3, 2.
- However, the effects of isosorbide dinitrate on blood pressure can vary depending on the individual and the dosage used.
Clinical Implications
- Isosorbide dinitrate may be effective in lowering blood pressure in patients with severe, uncontrolled hypertension 2.
- However, its use in patients with angina pectoris may not always result in a decrease in blood pressure 4.
- Further studies are needed to fully understand the effects of isosorbide dinitrate on blood pressure and its clinical implications 3, 5, 6.