Isosorbide Mononitrate 60 mg in Long-Term Angina Management: Role and Best Practices Steris Healthcare.

Dec 16, 2025

CARDULES ISMN SR 60 is a brand of Isosorbide Mononitrate Sustained‑Release (SR) 60 mg, a prescription nitrate medicine used primarily for the prevention (prophylaxis) of angina pectoris—chest pain/discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, most commonly from coronary artery disease (CAD).

This long-form guide is designed to “cover all topics” typically needed for a brand education article, including: what it is, why it’s used, how it works, how to take it correctly (SR rules), benefits, side effects, warnings, contraindications, drug interactions (especially sildenafil/tadalafil), precautions in special populations, monitoring, lifestyle measures, storage, and patient FAQs.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Treatment and dosing must be decided by a registered medical practitioner. Never start/stop or combine nitrates with other medicines without medical advice.

1) What is CARDULES ISMN SR 60?

CARDULES ISMN SR 60 contains:

  • Isosorbide Mononitrate 60 mg in a Sustained‑Release (SR) formulation.

What “SR (Sustained‑Release)” means

“Sustained‑release” means the dosage form is engineered to release isosorbide mononitrate slowly over time. Compared to immediate‑release products, SR formulations generally aim to:

  • Provide longer duration of angina prevention
  • Reduce peak‑to‑trough fluctuations
  • Improve adherence with once‑daily or simplified dosing schedules (depending on the prescriber’s plan)

Practical rule for SR products: Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet/capsule unless your doctor/pharmacist confirms that your exact product can be altered safely. Damaging SR design can cause dose dumping, stronger side effects (e.g., severe headache, low BP), and reduced overall control.

2) What kind of medicine is Isosorbide Mononitrate?

Isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) is an organic nitrate vasodilator and a standard anti‑anginal medicine. It reduces angina by changing the tone of blood vessels, which reduces the heart’s workload and improves the oxygen supply‑demand balance of the myocardium (heart muscle).

ISMN vs Nitroglycerin: what’s the difference?

Both are nitrates, but they’re used differently:

  • Nitroglycerin (sublingual/spray): often used for fast relief during an acute angina attack.
  • Isosorbide mononitrate SR (like CARDULES ISMN SR 60): used for ongoing prevention of angina episodes.

So, CARDULES ISMN SR 60 is typically a preventive/maintenance medicine, not an emergency “rescue” medication.

3) Why is CARDULES ISMN SR 60 prescribed? (Uses / Indications)

Primary indication: Long‑term prevention of angina

CARDULES ISMN SR 60 is commonly prescribed to:

  • Reduce frequency and severity of stable (effort-related) angina
  • Improve functional capacity (patients often tolerate more exertion before chest discomfort begins)
  • Decrease reliance on rescue nitroglycerin (if prescribed)

Where it fits in heart care

Angina prevention usually involves a broader plan that may include:

  • Antiplatelet therapy (e.g., aspirin, if appropriate)
  • Statins for cholesterol and plaque stabilization
  • Beta‑blockers and/or calcium channel blockers
  • BP/diabetes management
  • Lifestyle changes (smoking cessation, diet, physical activity)

Important: CARDULES ISMN SR 60 addresses symptoms (angina prevention) and helps quality of life. It is not a substitute for risk‑reducing therapy in CAD.

Off‑label/specialist-directed situations

In specialist practice, nitrates may be used in:

  • Vasospastic (Prinzmetal) angina (coronary artery spasm)
  • Selected ischemic syndromes where symptom control is needed
    (Always clinician-directed; therapy depends on diagnosis and comorbidities.)

4) How CARDULES ISMN SR 60 works (Mechanism of Action)

Isosorbide mononitrate ultimately increases nitric oxide (NO) signaling in blood vessels.

Core pathway

  1. Nitrate-related pathways lead to increased NO availability
  2. NO activates guanylate cyclase
  3. This raises cyclic GMP (cGMP)
  4. cGMP relaxes vascular smooth muscle → vasodilation

Why vasodilation helps angina

A) Venous dilation (major effect)

  • Veins widen → more blood pools in peripheral circulation
  • Less blood returns to the heart (reduced preload)
  • Heart chambers fill with less pressure/volume → reduced wall stress
  • Heart needs less oxygen → angina prevention

B) Some arterial dilation

  • Can reduce resistance the heart pumps against (reduced afterload)
  • May improve overall oxygen demand reduction
  • Can lower blood pressure (beneficial in some, problematic in others)

C) Coronary effects

  • May help improve coronary blood flow dynamics and relieve spasm in susceptible patients.

Overall result: improved balance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand, reducing likelihood of angina during exertion or stress.

5) Pharmacokinetics in simple terms (What SR changes)

While details depend on the exact SR technology used, SR formulations generally:

  • Provide slower release and longer effect
  • Often support once-daily dosing
  • Reduce sharp peaks that can intensify side effects in some patients

Even with SR products, clinicians still consider nitrate tolerance (see section 9).

6) Who is a typical candidate for CARDULES ISMN SR 60?

Clinicians may consider CARDULES ISMN SR 60 in patients who have:

  • Diagnosed coronary artery disease with stable angina
  • Angina not adequately controlled on other agents, or needing add‑on therapy
  • Need for a longer‑acting nitrate option to cover predictable daytime exertion

Before prescribing, doctors typically evaluate:

  • Baseline blood pressure and symptoms of hypotension
  • History of syncope (fainting) or falls
  • Current medication list for interactions
  • Whether the patient uses ED medications (critical interaction)
  • Co-morbid conditions (e.g., aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dehydration, severe anemia)

7) How to take CARDULES ISMN SR 60 correctly (Administration)

Typical dosing pattern (general education)

Many SR isosorbide mononitrate regimens are once daily, often in the morning, to reduce daytime exertional angina. However, timing should match your symptom pattern and your prescriber’s plan.

Do not self-adjust timing or dose. Angina schedules and nitrate‑free intervals are individualized.

SR handling rules (very important)

  • Swallow whole with water.
  • Do not crush, chew, or split (unless confirmed safe for your exact product).
  • Take at the same time each day.

With food or without?

Many patients can take it with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, taking it with food may help. Follow your prescription directions.

8) What to do if you miss a dose

General guidance (confirm with your clinician/pharmacist):

  • Take the missed dose when remembered if it’s not close to the next dose.
  • If it’s close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose.
  • Do not double the dose.

Because SR nitrates are often scheduled to manage tolerance and coverage, ask your prescriber if timing changes are needed after missed doses.

9) Nitrate tolerance: a key topic for sustained‑release nitrates

What is nitrate tolerance?

If nitrates are present continuously, the body may become less responsive over time, reducing anti‑anginal effectiveness. This is called tolerance.

How tolerance is minimized

Clinicians often plan dosing to allow a daily “nitrate‑free” interval (a period with low nitrate exposure). SR products are chosen and scheduled to deliver benefit while still respecting this principle.

Do not change the schedule yourself. If you develop more angina or feel the medicine is “not working,” consult your doctor—dose timing or combination therapy may need adjustment.

10) What CARDULES ISMN SR 60 does—and does not—do in chest pain

It helps prevent angina

  • Most effective for predictable angina triggered by exertion/stress.

It is not an emergency rescue for sudden chest pain

If you develop sudden chest pain:

  • Follow your doctor’s action plan (often includes rest + rescue nitroglycerin if prescribed).
  • Seek urgent care if pain is severe, new, or not relieved as instructed.

Emergency warning: Chest pain that is crushing, prolonged, associated with sweating, nausea, severe breathlessness, fainting, or radiating pain may indicate a heart attack—get emergency help immediately.

11) Expected benefits with regular use

Patients may experience:

  • Reduced frequency of angina attacks
  • Reduced severity of symptoms
  • Improved exercise tolerance (walk further/climb stairs with fewer symptoms)
  • Better day‑to‑day functioning

Response varies. Symptom control also depends on:

  • Control of BP, cholesterol, and diabetes
  • Smoking cessation
  • Adherence to all prescribed cardiac medicines
  • Avoiding triggers where possible

12) Side effects of CARDULES ISMN SR 60

Many side effects are due to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels).

Common side effects

  • Headache (very common; “nitrate headache”)
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing up)
  • Flushing
  • Low blood pressure symptoms (weakness, blurred vision, near‑fainting)
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue

Headache: what patients should know

  • Often strongest during initial days.
  • Many patients improve as the body adjusts.
  • Do not stop the medicine abruptly without medical advice. Your doctor may adjust dose/timing or advise appropriate pain relief compatible with your overall therapy.

Less common but clinically important

  • Syncope (fainting)
  • Palpitations or fast heartbeat (reflex tachycardia)
  • Worsening angina if BP drops too much in certain patients (uncommon but important to report)

Seek urgent medical help if you have

  • Fainting, collapse, severe weakness or confusion
  • Severe breathlessness, chest pain that is new/worsening
  • Signs of allergic reaction (swelling, rash, wheeze, difficulty breathing)

13) Contraindications (When CARDULES ISMN SR 60 should generally not be used)

Exact contraindications depend on local labeling, but commonly include:

  1. Concomitant use of PDE5 inhibitors (see next section)
  2. Concomitant use of riociguat (often contraindicated/avoided)
  3. Severe hypotension/shock states
  4. Known hypersensitivity to nitrates or product components

Your doctor will decide based on your medical history and examination.

14) The most critical drug interaction: PDE5 inhibitors (ED medicines)

Never combine nitrates with PDE5 inhibitors, such as:

  • Sildenafil
  • Tadalafil
  • Vardenafil

This combination can cause profound, life‑threatening hypotension (dangerously low blood pressure), shock, or fainting.

Counseling point: Many patients do not consider ED medicines “important to mention.” They are extremely important here—always disclose.

15) Other important interactions and additive hypotension risks

Riociguat

Used for pulmonary hypertension; combining with nitrates can cause serious hypotension.

Alcohol

Alcohol can worsen dizziness and BP drop. Many clinicians advise limiting or avoiding alcohol while on nitrates.

Other BP‑lowering medicines

Additive hypotension may occur with:

  • ACE inhibitors / ARBs
  • Beta‑blockers
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Diuretics
  • Alpha‑blockers (e.g., for prostate symptoms)
  • Some antipsychotics/antidepressants with BP effects

Combination therapy is common and can be appropriate—but requires monitoring.

Other anti‑anginals

ISMN is often combined with:

  • Beta‑blockers
  • Calcium channel blockers
    This can improve symptom control, but clinicians watch BP, heart rate, and dizziness.

16) Precautions in specific medical conditions

Low blood pressure / dehydration

Risk of symptomatic hypotension rises with:

  • Vomiting/diarrhea
  • Low fluid intake
  • Excess heat/sweating
  • Diuretics
    Patients should report persistent dizziness or near‑fainting.

Heart valve disease and special cardiac conditions

Nitrates may be risky or require careful use in conditions such as:

  • Severe aortic stenosis
  • Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
  • Right ventricular infarction or preload-dependent states
    Your cardiologist determines appropriateness.

Increased intracranial pressure / severe head injury (clinical caution)

Nitrates can influence cerebral blood flow and are used carefully in certain neurological settings.

Older adults

Higher risk of:

  • Orthostatic hypotension
  • Falls
  • Polypharmacy interactions
    Dosing and follow‑up may be more conservative.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Use only if clearly needed and prescribed after risk‑benefit assessment. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

17) Monitoring and follow-up: what clinicians typically review

SR nitrates usually do not require frequent lab tests, but they do require clinical monitoring, especially early in therapy or after dose changes:

  • Blood pressure (sitting and standing if dizziness occurs)
  • Heart rate (some patients develop reflex tachycardia)
  • Angina frequency and triggers
  • Headache severity and adherence
  • Use of rescue nitroglycerin (how often, how effective)
  • Functional capacity (walking distance, exertion tolerance)

If angina persists or worsens, clinicians may:

  • Optimize other therapies (beta‑blocker/CCB)
  • Reassess ischemia and consider further testing
  • Adjust nitrate timing/dose while managing tolerance principles

18) Overdose: what it may look like and what to do

Possible overdose symptoms

  • Severe throbbing headache
  • Marked dizziness or fainting
  • Very low BP, weakness, confusion
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Nausea/vomiting

What to do

Seek urgent medical attention. Do not attempt to “sleep it off,” especially if fainting or severe weakness occurs.

19) Patient counseling checklist (clinic/pharmacy-ready)

When starting or refilling CARDULES ISMN SR 60, key counseling points include:

  1. Purpose: Prevents angina; not meant for fast relief of an acute attack.
  2. How to take: Once daily (or as prescribed), swallow whole, consistent timing.
  3. Headache is common: Often improves; don’t stop without advice.
  4. Stand up slowly: Reduce dizziness/orthostatic hypotension risk.
  5. Avoid PDE5 inhibitors: No sildenafil/tadalafil/vardenafil while on nitrates.
  6. Alcohol caution: May worsen BP drop and dizziness.
  7. Do not stop suddenly: Risk of rebound angina—talk to your doctor first.
  8. Emergency plan: Know when to use rescue meds (if given) and when to seek emergency care.

20) Lifestyle measures that enhance angina control

CARDULES ISMN SR 60 works best alongside comprehensive cardiovascular care:

Risk reduction

  • Stop smoking/tobacco (major impact)
  • Control cholesterol (statin therapy + diet)
  • Control BP and diabetes
  • Maintain healthy weight

Activity and angina trigger control

  • Warm up before exertion
  • Pace activity; avoid sudden intense bursts
  • Be cautious in cold weather (can trigger angina)
  • Avoid heavy meals before exertion

Diet and heart health

  • Reduce salt and ultra-processed foods
  • Increase vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins
  • Discuss safe exercise and diet plans with your clinician, especially after heart events

21) Storage and handling

  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat and moisture.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
  • Do not use beyond expiry date.
  • Keep in original packaging if advised to protect from moisture/light.

(Always follow the specific storage instructions printed on the CARDULES ISMN SR 60 pack.)

22) Brand summary: CARDULES ISMN SR 60 in one view

Isosorbide Mononitrate SR 60 mg is a long‑acting nitrate used primarily for prevention of angina in coronary artery disease. It works by vasodilation, reducing preload and myocardial oxygen demand, helping patients experience fewer angina episodes and improved exercise tolerance. Safe use depends on:

  • Correct SR administration (swallow whole)
  • Avoiding dangerous interactions (especially PDE5 inhibitors and riociguat)
  • Monitoring for hypotension-related symptoms and headaches
  • Following a clinician-directed schedule that helps reduce nitrate tolerance

23) Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1) Can CARDULES ISMN SR 60 stop an angina attack immediately?

Usually no. SR isosorbide mononitrate is for prevention. For sudden angina, doctors may prescribe a rapid‑acting nitroglycerin product separately.

Q2) Why do I get headaches with this medicine?

Headache is a common nitrate effect due to blood vessel dilation. It often improves with continued use. If severe or persistent, consult your doctor—do not self-discontinue.

Q3) Can I take CARDULES ISMN SR 60 with my BP tablets?

Often yes, but BP may drop more. Your doctor will balance symptom control with safe BP and may monitor or adjust doses.

Q4) Is it safe to take erectile dysfunction medicine sometimes?

No. PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil/tadalafil/vardenafil) with nitrates can cause dangerous hypotension. Discuss alternatives with your doctor.

Q5) What if I feel dizzy when I stand?

This can be orthostatic hypotension. Stand up slowly, hydrate if appropriate, and inform your doctor—especially if you faint or nearly faint.

Q6) Can I stop taking it once I feel better?

Do not stop suddenly without medical advice. Sudden discontinuation may cause rebound angina.

If You Want To Purchase The Product Click Here.

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Composition Brand Name
Isosorbide Mononitrate Sustained Release Tablets 50 mg

CARDULES ISMN SR 50

Isosorbide Mononitrate Sustained Release Tablets 40 mg

CARDULES ISMN SR 40

Isosorbide Mononitrate 20 mg

CARDULES ISMN 20

Isosorbide Dinitrate 5mg

CARDULES ISDN 5

Isosorbide Mononitrate 10 mg

CARDULES ISMN 10

Isosorbide Mononitrate IP 30mg Tablets

CARDULES ISMN SR 30

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