Long-acting nitrates

Long-acting nitrates are used to help prevent angina symptoms. Read about the types of long-acting nitrates, how they work and possible side effects.

Types of long-acting nitrates

• isosorbide mononitrate, also called Duride, Ismo 20, Ismo 40 Retard

How do long-acting nitrates work?

Long-acting nitrates relax your blood vessels to widen them. This increases blood flow to the heart muscle.  

Long-acting nitrates help to prevent pain or discomfort which occurs due to narrowings in the heart arteries (angina).  

Long acting-nitrates are pills and work differently to GTN spray. Long-acting nitrates are taken regularly to help prevent angina symptoms.  

Use your GTN spray if your angina symptoms have already started. GTN spray can still be used if needed when taking long-acting nitrates. 

Other heart medications, such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, can also be used to reduce your angina symptoms.

If your angina symptoms don’t go away after following the angina action plan, call 111 immediately.

Side effects of long-acting nitrates

Long-acting nitrates can cause unwanted side effects such as:

• headaches (more common when you first start taking them)
• going red in the face (flushing)
• feeling faint or light-headed when you stand up
• dizziness.

Talk to your doctor or call Healthline (0800 611 116) if you have:

• fainting or pass out
• blue lips
• breathing problems
• changes to your heartbeat (fast, slow or irregular).

Talk to your doctor if the side effects are worrying you. Don’t stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor first. The benefit usually outweighs the side effects.

What if I miss a dose of long-acting nitrates?

It’s important to take your long-acting nitrates daily and not to skip a dose.

If you forget to take a dose, take it immediately, then continue as normal the following day. However, if it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as normal.

Do NOT take a double dose.

What else do I need to know?

Tell your doctor if you’re taking any:

• vitamins
• supplements
• natural medicines
• medicines bought from a pharmacy without a prescription
• alternative therapies.

These can sometimes make your heart medication less effective or stronger.

Talk to your doctor if you’re planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Do not take long-acting nitrates if you’re taking medicines for difficulties with erections, such as:

• sildenafil, also called Viagra, Vedafil, Silvasta
• tadalafil, also called Cialis
• vardenafil, also called Levitra.

Using these medications with long-acting nitrates can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. This can be life-threatening.

Related treatments and conditions

Angina

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