Isordil Overview and Nursing Responsibilities

Study Notes

Isordil Overview

Classification: Nitrate, used primarily to manage angina pectoris.

Common Names

Generic Name: Isosorbide dinitrate
Trade Name: Isordil

Dosage Information

Typical Oral Dosage: 5-20 mg administered twice daily (bid).

Indications

Primary Use: Treatment of Angina Pectoris to alleviate chest pain.

Mechanism of Action

Function: Relaxes vascular smooth muscle.
Effects: Decreases both preload and afterload, resulting in reduced cardiac oxygen demand.

Side Effects

Common Reactions:
- Vascular headache
- Dizziness
- Orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure upon standing)
- Flushing
- Methemoglobinemia (a condition that affects blood's ability to carry oxygen).

Nursing Responsibilities

Pain Assessment: Monitor for duration, intensity, and onset of pain.
Orthostatic Hypotension Monitoring: Check for signs of low blood pressure when the patient changes positions.
Methemoglobinemia Assessment: Look for symptoms such as cyanosis of the lips, nausea, vomiting, and signs of shock.

Patient Education

Medication Compliance: Instruct patients to take prescribed doses consistently; avoid skipping or doubling doses.
Substance Interaction: Advise against alcohol and certain over-the-counter medications that may interfere with treatment.
Withdrawal Precautions: Warn against sudden discontinuation to prevent potential heart issues.

Drug Interactions

Alcohol: Increased risk of hypotension.
Sidenafil: May lead to fatal hypotension when taken concurrently with Isordil.

Description

This quiz covers the essential information on Isordil, including its classification, common names, dosage, indications, mechanism of action, and potential side effects. Additionally, it highlights important nursing responsibilities related to patient monitoring and assessment.