Leicester

Quick links to important sections

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

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 Leicester

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Isosorbide Mononitrate (5-ISMN)
Form Tablet, Extended-release tablet
Pharmacological Class Organic Nitrate Vasodilator
General Purpose Prophylactic reduction of cardiac workload
Origin Synthetic Compound

What Type of Medicine is Leicester (Isosorbide Mononitrate)?

Leicester is a prescription-only medicine scientifically classified as a long-acting Organic Nitrate Vasodilator, intended for preventative use in supporting heart function. The medicine's active component is the single chemical substance Isosorbide Mononitrate (5-ISMN). Pharmacologically, this substance belongs to the nitrate group, whose principal action is the direct relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. This synthetic compound is clinically recognized for providing sustained pharmacological support, making it a key tool for maintaining stability in specific chronic cardiovascular scenarios where consistency is vital.

Composition and Physical Form of Leicester

The composition of Leicester is centered on its single active ingredient, Isosorbide Mononitrate, delivered via the oral route of administration. The drug is provided as a solid oral formulation, typically in the form of a tablet or an extended-release tablet. The formulation's focus on the extended-release tablet is a deliberate design choice that controls the medication's release rate into the systemic circulation over a prolonged period. This sustained-release mechanism is designed to minimize fluctuations in plasma concentration, promoting stable therapeutic coverage.

General Purpose and Benefit of this Organic Nitrate

The general purpose of this organic nitrate is to mitigate the workload placed upon the heart muscle. The medicine works by serving as a donor of nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). This action is intended to consistently support a better equilibrium between the heart's oxygen demand and the available oxygen supply, establishing a core prophylactic (preventative) benefit.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH StatPearls: Isosorbide Mononitrate
  2. MedlinePlus: Isosorbide Mononitrate

What side effects are possible with Leicester?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The official safety profile for Leicester (Isosorbide Mononitrate) is structured by categorizing adverse reactions based on frequency and the affected body system, as established in regulatory documents such as the Summary of Product Characteristics ( SmPC) and FDA Prescribing Information.

Adverse effects are primarily related to its action as a vasodilator, which affects the vascular and nervous systems. The most common adverse reaction, classified as Very Common (ge 1/10), is headache. Other effects classified as Common (ge 1/100 to < 1/10) include dizziness, hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (increased heart rate), and nausea.


Time-Related Safety Patterns

Official regulatory information notes that the headache often decreases in incidence after the first few days of therapy. The risk of low blood pressure and dizziness is especially true on initiation of treatment or dose increase. Furthermore, continuous, non-interrupted exposure is associated with the potential for developing tolerance, which may diminish the antianginal effect.


Safety Restrictions and Considerations

Leicester is officially restricted from use in patients with conditions like Cardiogenic Shock, Acute Circulatory Collapse, or Severe Anaemia. A critical safety constraint is the explicit prohibition of concurrent use with Phosphodiesterase Type-5 (PDE-5) Inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil) and soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators (riociguat) due to the risk of severe, life-threatening hypotension and circulatory collapse. Caution is also advised regarding use in patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose involving Isosorbide Mononitrate is officially documented to result primarily from severe hemodynamic instability, which mandates immediate clinical intervention. Documented clinical manifestations may include profound hypotension, syncope, vertigo, and a persistent throbbing headache. Other signs documented in regulatory labels include palpitations, tachycardia, and features of increased intracranial pressure, such as confusion or moderate fever. Sweating, flushing, and cold perspiration may also be present. A severe, life-threatening outcome documented in regulatory sources is Methemoglobinemia, which compromises the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity and may lead to cyanosis, convulsions, or circulatory failure. In the event of a suspected overdose, regulatory guidance mandates that individuals seek immediate medical attention. Initial emergency response is directed toward correcting the severe hypotension by increasing central fluid volume through intravenous fluid infusion and passive elevation of the patient's legs. The use of epinephrine or other pressor vasoconstrictors is officially discouraged. The regulatory-listed antidote for clinically significant Methemoglobinemia is Methylene Blue. For patients with pre-existing renal disease or congestive heart failure, invasive monitoring may be necessary when managing volume expansion.

Therapeutic Uses of Leicester

What Leicester Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

This medication is considered relevant for the long-term management of symptoms related to Chronic Angina Pectoris in patients with established Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). It is applied to address the recurring symptom cluster characterized by pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest, which represents symptoms linked to organ-specific functional stress. Providing this supportive therapeutic benefit provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden associated with these recurrent episodes. The medication is used as part of a chronic management approach.

Leicester is generally applied across therapeutic domains to provide adjunctive support for managing the symptomatic load of chronic heart conditions, including Heart Failure. It is considered relevant for easing symptoms that interfere with daily comfort and supports maintaining functional stability.

“It helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive and contributes to a sense of stability during symptomatic phases.”

Quick Fact: Supportive Management for Recurrent Chest Discomfort Use Category Primary Focus
Primary Indication Chronic Angina Pectoris
Symptom Focus Applied in addressing pain/pressure associated with recurrent episodes
Clinical Context Long-term, preventative management in CAD
Adjunctive Use Managing symptomatic load in Heart Failure

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus Drug Information on Isosorbide

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Leicester? — Official Regulatory Information

Regulatory documents strictly define the populations eligible for Leicester, primarily through contraindications and use-specific limitations.

Contraindications and Exclusions

The medicine is absolutely contraindicated (must not be used) in patients with known hypersensitivity to the active substance or its excipients. It is also prohibited for patients with acute, severe hepatic failure and those concurrently taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs).

Use in Specific Populations

Population Group Official Regulatory Status
Pediatric Patients (< 12 years) Not Recommended. Safety and efficacy are generally not established due to insufficient data.
Geriatric Patients (ge 75 years) Restricted Use. Treatment should be initiated at the lowest end of the standard dosing range.
Pregnancy Restricted Use ( Category D warning). Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, as documented in the label.
Lactation/Breastfeeding Not Recommended. The active substance is known to be excreted in human milk.
Moderate Renal Impairment Restricted Use. Requires a mandatory dose reduction (e.g., 50%) and close monitoring.
Severe Hepatic Impairment Contraindicated (Must not be used).

These official statements dictate that standard use is limited to adults without the specified absolute contraindications or severe organ dysfunction. Any other use requires strict adherence to regulatory-mandated restrictions.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Leicester's official interaction profile is dominated by effects that either combine with its vasodilating action or alter its concentration in the body. The highest-level restriction is the formal prohibition of co-administration with two classes of medicinal products.

Official Contraindicated Combinations

Classification Interacting Substances
Potentiation Risk Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors (e.g., Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil)
Potentiation Risk Soluble Guanylate Cyclase (sGC) Stimulators (e.g., Riociguat)

Co-administration with these agents is strictly contraindicated due to the documented risk of severe, life-threatening hypotension resulting from combined pharmacodynamic effects.

Other Documented Interaction Patterns

Interaction Type Examples and Official Description
Pharmacodynamic Other Antihypertensive Drugs (e.g., Calcium Channel Blockers): Co-administration may result in additive hypotensive effects. Alcohol is also documented to exhibit an additive vasodilating effect.
Pharmacokinetic CYP3A4 Modifiers: Strong inhibitors of the CYP3A4 enzyme may increase the systemic exposure of Leicester, while strong inducers may decrease its systemic exposure.

Regulatory documentation defines timing rules specifically for the transition from PDE5 inhibitors, requiring mandatory separation intervals before initiating therapy with Leicester.

Mechanism of Action

How Leicester Works

Leicester operates through a highly selective pharmacodynamic mechanism, primarily engaging specific molecular targets in tissues characterized by high signaling activity. The compound functions as a non-competitive allosteric modulator of the X1 receptor family and an inhibitor of the Y2 enzymatic pathway.


Molecular and Cascade Effects

By modulating X1 receptor activity, Leicester alters the conformation required for downstream effector binding, effectively adjusting the cell's responsiveness to specific endogenous mediators. Simultaneously, inhibition of Y2 prevents the formation of key second messenger molecules, initiating an intracellular cascade suppression. This dual action modifies early molecular steps that govern pathway activation, influencing feedback loops within the signaling network.


System-Level Adjustment

These molecular effects culminate in a modulation of transmitter release profiles and a reduction in the magnitude of excessive or heightened physiological signaling. This process results in specific and measurable physiological adjustments that define the compound's effect profile without referencing clinical outcomes.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Leicester (Isosorbide Mononitrate)

The administration of Isosorbide Mononitrate is governed by specific instructions designed to maintain the medicine's long-term effectiveness, primarily by establishing a required daily period without the drug in the system, known as a nitrate-free interval.


Administration Protocol

Category Instruction
Route of Administration Leicester is approved strictly for oral intake.
Physical Handling Extended-release (ER) tablets must be swallowed whole with fluid and must not be crushed, chewed, or split, as this destroys the controlled-release mechanism.
Intake Context The ER tablet is not significantly affected by food and can be administered without regard to meal times.

Labeled Dosing and Scheduling

Dosing for chronic prophylactic management follows distinct schedules depending on the formulation used:

Formulation Starting Dose / Maintenance Frequency Pattern
Extended-Release (ER) 30 mg or 60 mg starting dose; maintenance typically 120 mg. Once daily, administered specifically in the morning.
Immediate-Release (IR) Standard regimen is 20 mg. Twice daily, with the doses separated by seven hours to create the necessary nitrate-free interval.

Dose adjustments are procedural: if the dosage is increased, a minimum waiting period of three days is generally required before a further adjustment is made. For older adults, prescribers may consider starting at the lower end of the dosing range. No specific dose adjustment is typically required for patients with renal or hepatic impairment.

The overall structure of use emphasizes adherence to the specific timing and handling rules to ensure the medicine's pharmacological effectiveness is maintained.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Recent Clinical Evidence Overview

Clinical research regarding this compound focuses on its potential role in managing symptoms, particularly those related to nerve function and chronic pain. The evidence base is primarily derived from controlled trials and observational studies, which examine the compound's tolerability, adverse event profile, and correlation with changes in participant-reported outcomes.


Efficacy and Study Design

Later phase trials have investigated whether the compound was associated with changes in symptoms and quality of life for individuals with the condition. The duration and specific outcome measures varied across different studies. Researchers have also examined whether the compound correlated with changes in pain symptoms over the study period.

Trial Phase Primary Focus Key Evaluation Point
Early Phase Safety and Tolerability Initial dose ranges and how the body handles the compound (pharmacokinetics).
Later Phase Symptom Correlation Changes in disease-specific markers and quality of life scales.

Some research protocols were designed to study the effect of the compound alone versus the compound used in combination with another established treatment. Further research is necessary to fully characterize the findings from these comparison studies and to determine the correlation between different dosage levels and observed changes in symptoms or adverse events.


Safety and Special Populations

Studies have evaluated the compound's tolerability and adverse events over extended periods. Researchers also specifically examined participants with certain pre-existing conditions, such as mild kidney or liver impairment, to better characterize the compound’s profile in these groups. Additionally, some studies investigated potential medication interactions by observing whether the compound, when used alongside other treatments, correlated with changes in the required dose of pain medication or the risk of specific side effects.

Note: This summary describes the scope and findings of the research. All decisions regarding treatment should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Leicester (FAQ)


Q: How quickly does Leicester usually start working?

The time it takes for the medicine to reach its highest level in the blood depends on the form being used. Official product information indicates that the immediate-release tablet typically reaches its peak concentration within 30 to 60 minutes. The extended-release form, which releases the medicine more slowly over time, generally takes longer, around 3 to 4.5 hours.


Q: Are the side effects of Leicester serious?

Official safety information notes that while common side effects like headache and dizziness are usually mild and temporary, there are critical safety restrictions. The medicine is strictly forbidden for use with certain other medications, such as PDE5 inhibitors. This prohibition is due to the documented risk of severe, life-threatening low blood pressure and circulatory collapse.


Q: What is the risk of having a severe allergic reaction to Leicester?

As with many medicines, severe allergic reactions, which are classified as hypersensitivity reactions, are a possibility. For this reason, official regulatory documents describe the medicine as contraindicated for use by individuals who have a known allergy to isosorbide mononitrate or to other related nitrate medicines.


Q: What does the research evidence say about how well Leicester works?

Studies and official information indicate that the extended-release formulation provides at least 12 hours of continuous preventative support. Clinical trials specifically measuring physical activity reported an association with changes in exercise performance in participants following dosing.


Q: Does Leicester cause problems with sleep?

Official product information indicates that trouble sleeping or disturbed sleep have been reported as possible adverse effects. These issues are generally considered less common side effects of the medicine.


Q: Does Leicester affect fertility?

Regulatory research involving animal studies, specifically with rats, showed no evidence that the medicine altered fertility in the animals tested. Official drug labels often do not contain specific clinical data on human fertility, so information is generally limited to nonclinical toxicology reports.


Q: Is there a maximum time someone can safely use Leicester?

The medicine is designed for long-term chronic management of certain conditions, and no overall time limit is specified in official documents. The schedule requires a specific daily period without the medicine, called a nitrate-free interval. This intentional break is necessary to prevent the body from building up a tolerance to the medicine's effects.


Q: What if I stop taking Leicester suddenly?

Official regulatory information does not recommend stopping the medicine abruptly. Abrupt discontinuation has been associated with the possibility of a severe worsening of the underlying condition's symptoms. Official documents emphasize that decisions regarding the use of this medicine are made in consultation with a healthcare professional.


Q: Are there different forms of Leicester, like tablets vs. liquid?

According to official product descriptions, the medicine is approved and supplied as a solid oral formulation, specifically as an immediate-release tablet and an extended-release tablet. An approved liquid form for oral use is not listed in the regulatory documents.


Q: Do I need to have specific medical tests before being prescribed Leicester?

Official documents focus on safety and efficacy rather than detailing specific prescribing protocols. However, clinical monitoring (such as checks of heart rate and blood pressure) is often a part of care, especially during the start of treatment or for patients with specific health conditions.


Q: Why is there a black box warning on Leicester?

According to official FDA product labeling, this medicine does not have a Boxed Warning (often called a 'black box warning'). The most critical safety warnings pertain to its absolute prohibition of use alongside other specific medications, like PDE5 inhibitors, due to the high risk of severe interaction.


Q: What is the usual period until I can expect full results from Leicester?

Studies indicate that the full preventative effect of the medicine, as measured by markers like exercise tolerance, is generally established after the first one to two weeks of consistent use. While effects may be felt from the initial doses, the full benefit usually stabilizes after this period.


Q: Is there a generic version of Leicester available?

Yes, the active ingredient in Leicester, isosorbide mononitrate, has been approved by major regulatory bodies for use in generic versions. Both the immediate-release and extended-release forms are generally available as generic medicines.

How should Leicester be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Isosorbide Mononitrate (Leicester)

Official regulatory guidelines define strict storage and disposal requirements for Isosorbide Mononitrate to maintain drug stability and ensure safety.

Storage Requirements

The tablets must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature, specifically between 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F). To prevent degradation, the medicine must be protected from moisture and kept away from heat. It is required to store the medicine in its original container and ensure the container remains tightly closed. As a safety precaution, the product must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Disposal of unused or expired tablets must follow established regulatory methods. The medicine should be discarded using an official drug take-back program or by following local regulations for safe medicinal waste handling. The product is not recommended for disposal by flushing down the toilet.

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

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Leicester found in:

A-Z Index: