Isosorbide dinitrate

Nitrate (heart)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Isosorbide dinitrate is a nitrate (heart) found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Sorbitrate 5. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Relieves and prevents chest pain (angina) by widening blood vessels.

How it works

A nitrate that widens blood vessels and reduces the heart's workload. Tablets prevent angina; under-the-tongue tablets relieve an attack.

How to take it

For an attack, put one under the tongue while sitting; repeat after 5 minutes if needed and call emergency help if pain persists. Regular tablets need a nitrate-free gap each day.

Common side effects

  • Headache
  • Flushing
  • Dizziness when standing

Get medical help straight away if

  • Chest pain not relieved after 2 or 3 doses (call for help)
  • Fainting

Be careful

Can cause headache; never combine with sildenafil-type medicines.

Other medicines and interactions

Never take with sildenafil, tadalafil or similar (dangerous fall in blood pressure). Alcohol worsens dizziness.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Use in pregnancy only if clearly needed; ask about breastfeeding.

Brands of Isosorbide dinitrate (1)

Sorbitrate 5

Common questions

What is Isosorbide dinitrate used for?

Relieves and prevents chest pain (angina) by widening blood vessels.

How does Isosorbide dinitrate work?

A nitrate that widens blood vessels and reduces the heart's workload. Tablets prevent angina; under-the-tongue tablets relieve an attack.

How should I take Isosorbide dinitrate?

For an attack, put one under the tongue while sitting; repeat after 5 minutes if needed and call emergency help if pain persists. Regular tablets need a nitrate-free gap each day.

What are the side effects of Isosorbide dinitrate?

Common: Headache, flushing, dizziness when standing. Get help straight away for: Chest pain not relieved after 2 or 3 doses (call for help), fainting.

Does Isosorbide dinitrate interact with other medicines?

Never take with sildenafil, tadalafil or similar (dangerous fall in blood pressure). Alcohol worsens dizziness.

Is Isosorbide dinitrate safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Use in pregnancy only if clearly needed; ask about breastfeeding.

Does Isosorbide dinitrate need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Isosorbide dinitrate?

Sorbitrate 5.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.