Introduction
Monocontin is used to prevent heart-related chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels so blood can flow more easily to the heart. This medicine will not treat an angina attack that has already begun.
Monocontin should be taken empty stomach. Your doctor will decide the dose and how often you should take them. This may change from time to time depending on how well they are working. You should take this medicine as it has been prescribed and keep taking it, even if you feel well. This medicine helps to prevent chest pain in the future. If you stop taking them your risk of chest pain will increase, especially if you stop taking them suddenly. Lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and not smoking may help this medicine work better.
You can develop tolerance to this medicine over time, which means that the same dose becomes less effective. You have to stick to a really specific dosing schedule to prevent this from happening.
The most common side effects include headache, dizziness, changes to your heart rate and flushing (warmth, redness or a tingly feeling). If these symptoms bother you or do not go away, your doctor may suggest ways of preventing or reducing them. Some can be reduced by taking painkillers, drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding alcohol. Drinking alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of this medicine.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have low blood pressure, increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma), kidney disease or heart failure. Also let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines as some may affect, or be affected by, this medicine and some may be dangerous to take with it. You should not take any medicine for erectile dysfunction with this medicine. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor if this medicine is suitable. Your doctor may regularly monitor your blood pressure and heart rate during the treatment with this medicine.
Uses of Monocontin
- Angina (heart-related chest pain)
Side effects of Monocontin
Common
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate
- Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk)
- Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing)
How to use Monocontin
Use it as advised by your doctor or check the label for directions before use. Monocontin is to be taken empty stomach.
How Monocontin works
Monocontin is a nitrate. It reduces the workload of the heart. As a result, the heart muscle does not need as much blood and oxygen supply.
What if you forget to take Monocontin?
If you miss a dose of Monocontin, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Angina pectoris
Administration
Should be taken on an empty stomach (i.e. At least one hour before food or two hours after food).
Adult Dose
Oral
Angina Pectoris
Prevention of angina pectoris caused by coronary artery disease
Adult: 20 mg 2-3 times daily. Dose may range from 20-120 mg daily.
As LA form: One capsule once daily.
Elderly: Intiate at lower doses.
Child Dose
Safety and efficacy not established
Contraindication
Severe hypotension or anaemia, hypovolaemia, heart failure due to obstruction, or raised intracranial pressure due to head trauma or cerebral haemorrhage.
Mode of Action
Isosorbide mononitrate relaxes vascular smooth muscles by stimulating cyclic-GMP. It decreases left ventricular pressure (preload) and arterial resistance (afterload).
Precaution
Severe renal or severe hepatic impairment, hypothyroidism, malnutrition, or hypothermia. Caution in patients who are already hypotensive. May aggravate angina caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Tolerance may develop after long-term treatment. Lactation.
Lactation: Unknown whether drug crosses into breast milk; use caution
Side Effect
Hypotension, tachycardia, flushing, headache, dizziness, palpitation, syncope, confusion. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. Restlessness, weakness and vertigo. Dry mouth, chest pain, back pain, oedema, fatigue, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, dyspepsia and flatulence.
Potentially Fatal: Severe hypotension and cardiac failure.
Interaction
Hypotensive effects may be increased when used with alcohol or vasodilators. Concurrent use with calcium channel blockers may lead to marked orthostatic hypotension.
Potentially Fatal: Significant hypotension may occur when used with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.