Isosorbide Dinitrate and Hydralazine



BiDil®







Isosorbide Dinitrate and Hydralazine

(eye soe SOR bide dye NYE trate & hye DRAL a zeen)

U.S. Brand Names
BiDil®
Pharmacologic Category
Vasodilator
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to isosorbide dinitrate, hydralazine, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Do not use with sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil. The combination may be dangerous.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Anemia, bleeding in the brain, glaucoma, head trauma, or rheumatic heart disease that affected a heart valve.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to improve a weakened heart.
How does it work?
  • Isosorbide dinitrate relaxes blood vessels.
  • Hydralazine relaxes blood vessels and helps the heart work more effectively.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Feeling tired or weak.
  • Chest pain or pressure.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe headache.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Chest pain or pressure lasting longer than 15 minutes. Call 911.
  • Swelling of feet or hands.
  • Significant weight gain.
  • Joint pain or swelling.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store tablets at room temperature.
  • Protect tablets from light.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: