Monis Tablet 20mg Tablets

Isosorbide mononitrate belongs to a group of medicines called nitrate vasodilators. It relaxes and widens blood vessels, which eases the strain on the heart so it needs less oxygen.

It is used to prevent angina (a tight pain in the chest, neck or arm that happens when the heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen). It may also be used together with other medicines for heart failure.

It cannot treat an angina attack once it has started. For a sudden attack, use the quick-acting medicine (such as a glyceryl trinitrate spray or tablet) your doctor has given you.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

• Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Unless your doctor says otherwise, keep to your normal diet.
• Long-acting (extended-release) tablets and capsules must be swallowed whole. Do not crush, chew or split them.
• Your doctor will plan your doses so there is a time each day (often overnight) without the medicine. This 'nitrate-low' period keeps it working well, so keep to the times you are given.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless your next dose is nearly due. Never take two doses together.
• Do not stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well, as your angina may get worse.

Common side effects, which often settle within the first 1 to 3 weeks, include:

• headache
• dizziness or light-headedness, especially when standing up
• feeling sick, tired or weak
• flushing, or a faster or slower heartbeat

Do not change your dosing times to avoid headaches. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about a suitable painkiller instead.

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• fainting or collapse
• chest pain that gets worse or happens more often
• signs of an allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing

Do not take it, and tell your doctor, if you:

• take sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil or similar medicines for erection problems, or riociguat
• have very low blood pressure, severe anaemia, glaucoma, a recent heart attack, or a past stroke or head injury
• have certain heart conditions such as narrowed heart valves or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have an underactive thyroid, severe liver or kidney problems, or very poor circulation
• take medicines for high blood pressure, water tablets, or certain antidepressants
• are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
• are going to have surgery or dental treatment

Keep in the original container, tightly closed, in a dry place at room temperature (below 25°C), away from heat and moisture, and out of the reach of children.

Erection medicines: never take it with sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil. Together they can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, collapse and even death. Do not stop isosorbide mononitrate to take them either, as this raises the risk of angina.

Alcohol: avoid alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure too much and make you dizzy or faint.

Dizziness and driving: stand up slowly. It can cause headache, blurred vision, dizziness or tiredness, so do not drive or use machines until you know how it affects you.