Angistad

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Angistad

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Isosorbide Mononitrate (ISMN)
Form Oral Tablets (including Sustained-Release)
Pharmacological Class Organic Nitrate, Vasodilator
General Purpose Long-term support of cardiovascular stability
Origin Synthetic Compound
Status Prescription-Only (Rx)

What Type of Medication is Angistad?

Angistad is a specific medicinal product containing the active substance Isosorbide Mononitrate (ISMN). This formulation is classified as an Organic Nitrate and a Vasodilator, a categorization clinically recognized for use as an antianginal agent. This synthetic compound belongs to a class of medications utilized for their ability to promote the widening of blood vessels.

Isosorbide Mononitrate is a long-acting compound that is an active metabolite of the related compound Isosorbide Dinitrate. Its distinction is that it achieves nearly 100% absolute bioavailability because it avoids significant first-pass metabolism by the liver. This intrinsic chemical property ensures the medicine is absorbed reliably, contributing to a stable pharmacological profile necessary for sustained therapeutic action.

Composition and Physical Form of Angistad

The foundation of Angistad is the single active ingredient, Isosorbide Mononitrate, combined with specific pharmaceutical excipients to create an Oral Dosage Form. It is most commonly supplied as a tablet, often available in specially engineered Sustained-Release or Extended-Release presentations. This particular delivery method is a defining characteristic, aligning it with continuous, long-term therapeutic strategies.

Since the compound itself is a manufactured, synthetic chemical entity, the formulation requires precise pharmaceutical control to ensure consistent dissolution and absorption when administered by mouth.

What is the General Purpose of Angistad?

The general, overarching purpose of Angistad is to provide sustained support for cardiovascular stability by systematically reducing the physical workload on the heart. Its action promotes vascular relaxation (venodilation), which decreases the volume of blood returning to the heart, a factor known as preload.

By reducing this preload, the medication lessens the mechanical effort and oxygen demand of the heart muscle. This fundamental action supports its role in providing long-term cardiac relief for patients requiring chronic management.

Regulatory References

  1. FDA Label (DailyMed) for Isosorbide Mononitrate Extended-Release Tablets

What side effects are possible with Angistad?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Angistad (Isosorbide Mononitrate) is an organic nitrate, and its safety profile is characterized by effects resulting from its vasodilatory action. All documented adverse reactions and safety statements are based on official government regulatory sources.

Adverse Reaction Classification

The most commonly reported adverse reaction, classified as Very Common in regulatory documents, is Headache. Other frequent effects, classified as Common, include Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting, and Fatigue. Effects observed less often, classified as Uncommon, include Syncope (fainting), Flushing, Palpitations, and Circulatory collapse.

Adverse reactions are grouped by System-Organ Class, primarily affecting the Nervous System (Headache, Dizziness) and Vascular Disorders (Hypotension, Flushing, Circulatory collapse).

Serious Reactions and Safety Constraints

Official labeling documents identify Severe Hypotension and Circulatory collapse as serious adverse reactions. Certain safety constraints are also explicitly defined:

  • Time-Related Pattern: Headache and Dizziness are more frequently observed at the beginning of treatment and are generally expected to diminish with continued use.
  • Contraindication: Angistad is strictly contraindicated for concurrent use with Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors (such as sildenafil or tadalafil) due to the risk of life-threatening hypotension and syncope.
  • Population Note: The medicine is not recommended for use in individuals with pre-existing conditions such as severe hypotension or shock/circulatory collapse.

This framework ensures the official understanding of the medicine's risk profile remains grounded in frequency data, physiological impact, and clear limitations on use.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory documents state that an overdose of Angistad (Isosorbide Mononitrate) is primarily characterized by the effects of severe, widespread vasodilation. This may lead to protracted hypotension (extremely low blood pressure) and reduced cardiac output. Manifestations commonly documented in regulatory labeling include a severe throbbing headache, confusion, vertigo, visual disturbances, and palpitations. In severe cases, the overdose can result in syncope (fainting), seizures, and, rarely, Methemoglobinemia. Regulatory authorities emphasize that an overdose can have a fatal outcome.


Official Emergency Action When to Seek Urgent Help
Seek immediate medical attention. Required for any suspected overdose, especially if fainting or trouble breathing occurs.
Contact a Poison Control Center or emergency services. The event is classified as potentially life-threatening.

Management procedures detailed in the official documents include the use of passive elevation of the patient's legs and intravenous infusion of normal saline to address the resulting fluid deficits. Specific caution is mandated during fluid replacement for patients with renal disease or congestive heart failure due to potential hazards, often requiring specialized invasive monitoring. The regulatory guidance explicitly warns against using epinephrine or other arterial vasoconstrictors for treatment.

Therapeutic Uses of Angistad

What Angistad Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Angistad (Isosorbide Mononitrate) is generally applied for chronic, long-term management in cardiology, and is relevant for easing the overall symptom load and supporting symptom management in situations where patients experience cardiac stress. The medication is primarily utilized for conditions involving recurring symptomatic chest pain such as Stable Angina Pectoris and symptoms linked to organ-specific functional stress associated with coronary artery disease.

Its primary therapeutic relevance involves supporting the management of symptoms related to episodic or fluctuating manifestations. This helps address symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain and interfere with daily comfort. When used as part of supportive care, the treatment supports the patient during episodes of heightened discomfort.

The treatment is commonly used to help with managing symptom intensity and recurrence, which contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms. When applied appropriately in conditions marked by increased physiological stress, this use assists with maintaining functional stability and general well-being during symptomatic phases.

“This medication is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed to help patients cope more steadily with difficult episodes.”


Quick Fact: Relief for Chest Discomfort

Property Description
Primary Indication Stable Angina Pectoris
Focus of Use Symptom Management
Core Benefit Easing overall symptom burden
Typical Application Chronic, long-term supportive care

Regulatory References

  1. NIH DailyMed label for Isosorbide Mononitrate

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Angistad?

Angistad (Isosorbide Mononitrate) eligibility is defined by regulatory authorities based on specific clinical and physiological constraints. The medicine is primarily intended for adults who are not subject to the absolute prohibitions listed below.


Absolute Prohibitions (Contraindications)

Official labeling strictly prohibits the use of Angistad in patients with certain conditions or who are taking specific medications:

  • Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to isosorbide mononitrate or any other nitrates.
  • Concurrent Drug Use: Must not be used by patients taking Phosphodiesterase Type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil) or Soluble Guanylate Cyclase (sGC) stimulators (e.g., riociguat).
  • Severe Acute Conditions: Prohibited in patients with acute circulatory failure (shock/collapse), cardiogenic shock, marked hypotension (systolic BP le 90 mmHg), or marked anaemia.

Population-Specific Restrictions

Population Regulatory Status
Children/Adolescents Not Recommended. Safety and efficacy are not established due to lack of data.
Older Adults (Geriatric) Use is permitted, but caution is advised due to increased susceptibility to hypotensive effects.
Pregnancy/Lactation Restricted. Use is permitted only if the benefit outweighs the unknown hazard due to limited human safety data.
Organ Impairment Caution is required in severe renal or hepatic impairment, although no routine dose adjustment is specified in the label.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Angistad (Isosorbide Mononitrate) interacts with specific medications and substances, primarily due to additive effects on blood pressure. These interactions are categorized by their severity and the constraints they impose on concomitant use, as detailed in official regulatory documents.


Contraindicated Combinations

Co-administration of Angistad is contraindicated with the following agents due to the potential for severe, life-threatening hypotension, syncope, or myocardial ischemia:

  • Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, including sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil, which are used for erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension.
  • Soluble Guanylate Cyclase (sGC) stimulators, such as riociguat.

Combinations Requiring Caution

Concomitant use with the following agents may potentiate the blood pressure-lowering effect of Angistad, requiring medical supervision:

  • Antihypertensive agents (e.g., beta-blockers, calcium channel antagonists).
  • Other vasodilators (blood vessel dilating agents).
  • Neuroleptics and Tricyclic antidepressants.
  • Alcohol.

Other Documented Interactions

Interaction with certain medications may lead to changes in Angistad's effectiveness:

  • The blood pressure-raising effect of dihydroergotamine may be increased when taken simultaneously with Angistad.
  • A weakening of the effect of Angistad cannot be excluded when used with Non-steroidal Anti-rheumatic Drugs (NSAIDs).

Mechanism of Action

Angistad is a prodrug that undergoes metabolism to release Nitric Oxide (NO), a gaseous signaling molecule. NO functions as an indirect activator by binding to and stimulating the enzyme soluble Guanylyl Cyclase (sGC), primarily within vascular smooth muscle cells. This interaction sharply increases the intracellular concentration of the second messenger cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP). Elevated cGMP activates a cascade that ultimately leads to smooth muscle relaxation and wide-ranging vasodilation.

This vasodilation selectively increases the capacity of the venous system, causing a substantial reduction in venous return to the heart (reduced preload). Simultaneous dilation of arteries reduces resistance to blood flow (reduced afterload). The resulting decrease in cardiac volume and pressure loads decreases the heart's overall workload and oxygen consumption. Additionally, the mechanism induces coronary artery dilation, altering the ratio of oxygen supply to oxygen demand in the heart muscle. Continuous exposure can lead to depletion of necessary sulfhydryl groups, causing nitrate tolerance, a diminished physiological responsiveness that necessitates a drug-free interval for recovery.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Angistad

Angistad, which contains Isosorbide Mononitrate, is administered through the oral route as tablets. Its usage protocol is strictly defined, emphasizing a specific time schedule to manage tolerance development, a key consideration for long-term use.


Official Administration Guidelines

Instruction Detail
Route of Administration Oral (by mouth)
Dosage Forms Immediate-Release (IR) and Extended-Release (ER) Tablets

Dosing and Frequency

The frequency of use is precisely structured to incorporate a required daily nitrate-free interval. For Immediate-Release (IR) tablets, the typical maintenance dose is 20 mg twice daily, with the doses required to be separated by approximately seven hours (e.g., 8 AM and 3 PM). This asymmetric timing is necessary to create the nitrate-free period.

Extended-Release (ER) tablets are typically used once daily in the morning. The starting dose for this form is commonly 30 mg or 60 mg, and the dose may be increased to a maximum dose of up to 240 mg once daily.


Procedural Conditions

Form Integrity: The Extended-Release tablets must be swallowed whole with fluid and are not to be crushed, chewed, or split. Altering the tablet structure compromises its sustained-release profile.

Population Caution: For older adults, standard guidelines specify initiating therapy at the low end of the dosing range. If a dose is missed, it should be omitted, and the user should continue with the next scheduled dose; doubling the dose is not permitted.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Angistad

Evidence for Use in Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris

The main research for Angistad (Isosorbide Mononitrate) was conducted in Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris, utilizing Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews in adult populations, including older patients. Studies focused on measuring outcomes related to physical discomfort, exploring endpoints such as angina attack frequency and the need for rescue short-acting nitrate medication. Research monitored functional exercise capacity during stress testing. Findings describe patterns where a lower number of weekly angina events was measured and lower consumption of short-acting nitrate medication was monitored compared to a placebo. However, long-term effects on overall patient-reported quality of life (QoL) are not fully established, and follow-up durations were limited.


Evidence for Angistad in Other Cardiac Conditions

Research on Chronic Heart Failure (CHF)

Angistad was evaluated in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials for patients with Chronic Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). These studies focused on outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level (exercise capacity) and neurohormonal markers. The evidence is limited and findings were mixed. Studies reported that the change in the primary functional endpoint in the overall patient cohorts was observed to be not consistently significant when compared to placebo. The overall functional benefit in chronic heart failure is not established by the existing research.

Emerging Data Post-Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Studies explored the use of Angistad in adults post-bypass surgery involving a radial artery graft, measuring the rate of Radial Artery (RA) graft failure and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE). These are primarily pilot Randomized Controlled Trials and data are still emerging.


Study Limitations and Research Gaps

Research highlights areas of uncertainty. A key challenge studied is nitrate tolerance (diminished pharmacological response over time), which was studied for long-term use. For special patient groups, such as children, the data remain insufficient for a full characterization. The results apply only to the populations studied, and the evidence quality varies across studies, particularly for non-angina uses.

Key Studies & References

  1. Isosorbide Mononitrate Extended-Release Tablets, USP Rx only (DailyMed/FDA Label)
  2. Nitrates in Congestive Heart Failure (NICE) Study: Effect of isosorbide-5-mononitrate on exercise performance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Angistad (FAQ)


Q: Can I take Lisinopril if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

A: Official regulatory documents carry a strong warning that discontinuation of Angistad (Lisinopril) is necessary as soon as pregnancy is detected. This is because medicines that directly act on the renin-angiotensin system (like this one) are associated with risk of injury or death to the developing fetus. Regarding breastfeeding, the product information states that it is generally recommended not to breastfeed while using this medication.


Q: Can Lisinopril cause hair loss?

A: Based on official regulatory documents, hair loss, which is medically known as alopecia, has been reported as an adverse reaction. This effect was observed in clinical studies involving patients treated with Angistad (Lisinopril).


Q: Does Lisinopril make your skin more sensitive to the sun?

A: The official product information for Angistad (Lisinopril) as a single ingredient does not specifically list sun sensitivity. However, for combination products that include a diuretic like Hydrochlorothiazide, the regulatory label indicates that there is a need to protect skin from the sun and avoid sunlamps, as the diuretic component has been associated with an increased risk of certain skin cancers.

How should Angistad be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Angistad

Angistad (Isosorbide Mononitrate) must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature, defined as 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F), with excursions permitted up to 30 C. The medication requires specific handling to maintain its stability, which includes keeping it in a tightly closed container and protecting it from excessive moisture, direct light, and heat. It is strictly mandated to keep this medication from freezing.

For household safety, the product must be stored in a secure location and placed out of the reach of children.

To dispose of unused or expired Angistad, do not keep outdated product. Patients are instructed to ask their healthcare professional or pharmacist for guidance on the proper disposal procedure to ensure local regulations are followed.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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