Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking isosorbide dinitrate as follows:
- Try changing the positions very slowly, as sudden change of positions can make the hypotensive episodes even worse and precipitate accidents and falls.
- Observe compliance with any regular lab work ordered. As isosorbide dinitrate is metabolized significantly in the liver and eliminated by the kidneys, hepatic and renal function could be periodically monitored.
- Avoid drinking any alcoholic beverages with isosorbide dinitrate. Alcohol may increase the side effects of isosorbide dinitrate, leading to increased dizziness and drowsiness, thus contributing to episodes of confusion, accidents, and falls.
- Avoid taking any other medications containing organic nitrates with isosorbide dinitrate, such as, isosorbide mononitrate and nitroglycerin. This can result in the side-effects getting compounded and lead to extremely dangerous hypotension and very rapid heart rate, severe chest pain and angina, and might also result in death.
