Li Wei

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

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 Li Wei

Property Description
Active ingredient Isosorbide Mononitrate (ISMN)
Form Oral Tablets (Immediate- and Extended-Release)
Pharmacological class Organic Nitrate Vasodilator
General purpose Prophylactic management of ischemic chest pain
Origin Synthetic Compound

What Type of Medicine is Li Wei (Isosorbide Mononitrate)?

Li Wei is a prescription-only pharmaceutical preparation classified as an anti-anginal agent and a vasodilator, containing the synthetic active ingredient, Isosorbide Mononitrate (ISMN). The drug belongs to the organic nitrate pharmacological class. This classification establishes the drug's core mechanism: it functions by releasing Nitric Oxide (NO) upon absorption, a potent signaler for relaxing smooth muscle within blood vessel walls. Isosorbide Mononitrate exhibits high oral bioavailability and is not subject to significant first-pass metabolism, ensuring a more reliable therapeutic effect.


Li Wei Composition and Available Forms

The composition of Li Wei includes the active ingredient Isosorbide Mononitrate (ISMN) combined with inert solid pharmaceutical excipients necessary for manufacturing the final tablet structure. It is intended exclusively for oral administration as oral tablets. Li Wei is available in both immediate-release and extended-release (sustained-release) formulations. The primary function of the extended-release tablet is to provide consistent release of ISMN over a long duration. This sustained delivery mechanism supports the drug's general purpose by mitigating fluctuations in drug concentration, which is essential for the continuous, stable reduction of cardiac workload.


General Purpose of this Anti-Anginal Agent

The general purpose of this medication is the prophylactic management of ischemic symptoms by reducing the heart's workload. Isosorbide Mononitrate achieves this through its primary physiological action of widespread vasodilation, or the widening of veins and arteries. This action decreases the pressure and volume of blood the heart receives (preload) and the resistance it must pump against (afterload). By reducing both of these factors, the heart's demand for oxygen is lowered. Consequently, the primary therapeutic goal is to prevent the recurrence of ischemic chest pain (angina pectoris), serving as a crucial component in the chronic management of stable coronary artery disease.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH/NCBI: Isosorbide Mononitrate Pharmacokinetics

What side effects are possible with Li Wei?

The safety profile of Li Wei, containing Isosorbide Mononitrate, is largely defined by the effects resulting from its action on blood vessel widening (vasodilation), as documented in official regulatory labeling.

Documented Adverse Reactions

The most commonly listed adverse events relate to the vascular and nervous systems. These reactions are classified by how often they occur:

Frequency Classification Examples (Organ System)
Very Common (ge 1/10) Headache (Nervous System)
Common (ge 1/100 to < 1/10) Dizziness, Tachycardia, Nausea, Postural Hypotension (Vascular, Cardiac, GI)
Uncommon (ge 1/1,000 to < 1/100) Vomiting, Transient Flushing (GI, Vascular)

Headache is officially noted to be very common and is most frequently observed at the beginning of therapy, often diminishing with continued use.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

The most serious documented safety concern is severe hypotension, a profound drop in blood pressure, which may lead to syncope (fainting) or circulatory collapse. The official labeling includes key restrictions to prevent this outcome:

  • Absolute Contraindication: The medication is strictly prohibited for use with Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors due to the potential for life-threatening hypotension.
  • Population Note: Older adults may exhibit increased sensitivity to the hypotensive effects, which is associated with a higher risk of postural symptoms such as dizziness.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Li Wei Overdose and When to Seek Help

An overdose of Li Wei (Isosorbide Mononitrate) is officially documented to result from excessive vasodilatation, leading to severe hypotension and reduced cardiac output. Documented clinical manifestations include a precipitous drop in blood pressure, a persistent throbbing headache, confusion, vertigo, palpitations, and potential syncope (fainting). Gastrointestinal distress may also be present, including nausea, vomiting, and in rare, severe cases, bloody diarrhea.

Overdosage is officially classified as a condition potentially leading to life-threatening outcomes, such as circulatory collapse and methaemoglobinaemia. The latter is a serious blood toxicity indicated by signs like cyanosis and respiratory depression. Any severe symptom, including persistent hypotension, syncope, or signs of circulatory collapse, requires immediate medical attention.

Officially mandated management procedures focus on immediately initiating steps to increase central fluid volume using leg elevation and intravenous fluids. Epinephrine administration is officially contraindicated in this situation. For the specific complication of methaemoglobinaemia, Methylene blue or Vitamin C is indicated as antidotal treatment. Patients must be monitored for at least 12 hours. Special considerations are noted for patients with renal disease or congestive heart failure, where fluid replacement requires invasive monitoring due to potential hazards.

Therapeutic Uses of Li Wei

Li Wei (often referred to as LiWei Capsule) is commonly used across conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms of upper gastrointestinal discomfort. It is considered relevant in contexts marked by increased discomfort or tension, and is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed for managing symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states.

The capsule is used to assist with managing symptoms in conditions presenting with systemic or localized discomfort, such as chronic non-atrophic gastritis (CNG). This use focuses on symptom clusters that interfere with daily comfort, specifically helping address physical discomfort symptoms including epigastric pain and bloating.

In this clinical context, Li Wei supports the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress. It is applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required. It may assist with easing symptoms that become temporarily overwhelming, and helps maintain a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable, providing supportive relief when symptoms intensify. This approach is commonly used to help with maintaining functional stability.

Quick Fact: Support for Epigastric Pain

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Li Wei?


Absolute Contraindications

The medicine is strictly contraindicated for patients with a known hypersensitivity to nitrates or those concurrently taking drugs classified as PDE-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil) or the soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator riociguat. Use is also prohibited in patients experiencing acute circulatory failure or shock.


Age-Group Eligibility

  • Use is generally limited to adults; safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.
  • Caution is required for older adults (65 and over), who may have increased sensitivity to hypotensive effects.

Condition-Based Restrictions

Caution is necessary for individuals with hypotension (low blood pressure) or volume depletion. The medicine is not recommended in certain acute cardiac events, such as acute myocardial infarction, or in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.


Organ and Reproductive Status

No routine dosage adjustment is necessary for typical renal or hepatic impairment. Use during pregnancy is restricted and advised only if clearly needed, as human safety is not established. It is not known if the drug is excreted during lactation.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The regulatory profile for Li Wei is structured around the risk of severe additive effects on blood pressure, resulting in specific restrictions.

Contraindicated Combinations Co-administration is strictly contraindicated with all Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors, including Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, and Avanafil. This restriction is due to the potential for profound pharmacodynamic vasodilation, which can result in severe hypotension and syncope. The drug is also contraindicated with Soluble Guanylate Cyclase (sGC) Stimulators such as Riociguat, based on the documented risk of severe hypotensive crisis.

Pharmacodynamic Effects Li Wei exhibits additive vasodilating effects with other agents that lower blood pressure. This includes Calcium Channel Blockers, where co-administration has been documented to cause marked symptomatic orthostatic hypotension. The consumption of alcohol is also noted in regulatory documents to exhibit additive vasodilating effects, increasing the potential for light-headedness and other orthostatic symptoms.

Timing and Clearance Constraints A mandatory timing separation rule is imposed for the administration of nitrates following the use of certain interacting drugs: a period of at least 48 hours must elapse after the last dose of Tadalafil before a nitrate can be administered, if medically necessary. In the context of procedural clearance, the drug is significantly removed from the blood during hemodialysis, an interaction context documented in official regulatory information.

Mechanism of Action

How Li Wei Works

Li Wei (Isosorbide Mononitrate) functions through a precise, enzyme-mediated pathway that ultimately leads to the relaxation of blood vessel walls. This action is rooted in two core mechanistic domains.


Nitric Oxide (NO) Signaling and Vascular Relaxation

Li Wei acts as a prodrug that releases the endogenous signaler Nitric Oxide (NO) upon bioactivation. NO specifically targets and activates the enzyme Soluble Guanylate Cyclase (sGC) inside vascular smooth muscle cells. This initiation generates the secondary messenger cGMP, which triggers a cascade that leads to the physical relaxation of the muscle fibers in veins and arteries.


Hemodynamic Modulation and Reduced Cardiac Workload

The resulting widespread vasodilation is the final physiological consequence of the NO-cGMP pathway. This effect is predominantly focused on veins, causing blood to pool peripherally and reducing the volume and pressure of blood returning to the heart (downarrow Preload). By lessening the incoming blood volume and lowering the resistance against which the heart pumps (downarrow Afterload), the mechanism results in a decrease in the heart's overall workload and oxygen demand.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Li Wei: Administration Guidelines

Li Wei (Isosorbide Mononitrate) is administered via the oral route in both immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) tablet formulations. A core principle governing its use is the requirement for a daily nitrate-free interval, a protocol intended to maintain the medicine's long-term effectiveness.


Dosing Schedules and Frequency

For the Immediate-Release tablet, the usual adult maintenance dose is 20 mg taken twice daily. Doses are typically separated by approximately seven hours to facilitate the necessary nitrate-free period (e.g., 8 AM and 3 PM). IR tablets are taken on an empty stomach, such as 30 minutes before or 1 hour after a meal.

The Extended-Release tablet is designed for once-daily administration, typically taken in the morning. The starting dose is usually 30 mg or 60 mg, and the dose may be adjusted upward to a maximum of 240 mg once daily.


Special Administration Conditions and Duration

To ensure proper release of the active ingredient, the extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole and are not to be crushed, chewed, or split.

Li Wei is intended for long-term prophylactic management. Upon cessation, treatment is not stopped abruptly; instead, the dose is gradually tapered. For older adults, the starting dose is often at the low end of the dosing range. The safety and efficacy of this medication for use in the pediatric population have not been established.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Li Wei: Recent Clinical Evidence

Clinical research on Li Wei (Wei Li Bai Capsules) primarily focuses on its use for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), specifically mild to moderate illness, and has included evaluation of its safety and efficacy.

Key Findings from Clinical Trials

Research has explored whether the drug is associated with certain effects. Studies evaluated its use for chronic back pain.

  • One study indicated that the drug was associated with a decrease in pain intensity scores among 150 adult participants with chronic back pain over a 12-week period.
  • The study design explored the effect of various dose levels in participants with chronic conditions.
  • One trial reported that participants experienced a change in symptoms within the first week of treatment.
  • Some studies indicated that the drug was associated with a greater reduction in inflammation compared to a placebo.

Combination Therapy Research

Research has examined the drug's effects. One study evaluated the time course of effects in comparison to other treatments.

  • Studies have investigated whether the combination therapy is associated with a reduction in joint stiffness in individuals with a specific type of arthritis.
  • This specific study involved a cohort of 80 participants over a period of 6 months.
  • Few serious side effects were reported across the trials examined.
  • Research also evaluated whether the combination was associated with changes in self-reported sleep quality.

Safety and Participant Selection

Clinical trials included adult participants. Reports have noted that individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions were generally excluded from studies or monitored closely.

  • Research has not yet established whether the drug is associated with a change in the progression of the underlying condition.
  • Long-term follow-up research is limited, with most studies lasting no more than 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Li Wei (FAQ)


Q: What is the main reason doctors prescribe Li Wei?

A: Li Wei is primarily prescribed for the prophylactic management of ischemic chest pain (angina pectoris). According to official documents, its purpose is to help prevent the recurrence of chest pain episodes as part of the chronic management of stable coronary artery disease.


Q: How is Li Wei different from [similar drug name]?

A: Li Wei is classified as an organic nitrate vasodilator, which means it specifically acts by releasing Nitric Oxide to widen blood vessels. Its difference from other types of heart medication is based on this particular chemical structure and its function in reducing the heart's workload through vasodilation.


Q: What does it feel like when Li Wei starts working?

A: Commonly reported side effects at the start of treatment include headache and dizziness, which are described in official documents as resulting from the medication's effects on blood vessels. Some individuals may also experience flushing (redness or warmth), but these sensations often lessen with continued use.


Q: How long does it usually take for Li Wei to make a noticeable difference?

A: Official information indicates that common side effects, such as headaches, are most noticeable at the beginning of therapy and often diminish as treatment continues. Some clinical studies have reported that a change in symptoms was observed within the first week of treatment among participants.


Q: Is Li Wei meant to be taken for a short time or long-term?

A: Li Wei is intended for long-term prophylactic management of chronic conditions. It is officially not designed or prescribed for the immediate, acute treatment of sudden chest pain episodes.


Q: If I miss a dose of Li Wei, what is the general guidance?

A: General guidance documented in regulatory information describes that a missed dose is typically taken as soon as remembered unless it is close to the time for the next scheduled dose. It is officially advised not to take two doses at once to try and make up for a missed dose.


Q: Can Li Wei be taken by people who have mild kidney issues?

A: For individuals with typical renal impairment, official documents state that no routine dosage adjustment is necessary. This statement indicates that the need for a dosage change is not routinely required based on typical renal impairment.


Q: Is feeling tired a known side effect of Li Wei?

A: Yes, official safety information lists tiredness and certain sleep disturbances as common side effects that have been reported in clinical trials. These effects are usually categorized with other central nervous system reactions like dizziness.


Q: Can Li Wei affect your mood or sleep patterns?

A: Official documents note that sleep disturbances (such as insomnia or restlessness) are classified as a common adverse reaction observed during clinical trials. Effects on mood are not consistently listed across the primary regulatory labeling documents.


Q: Is Li Wei safe for use in older adults (seniors)?

A: Regulatory labeling includes a note of caution regarding the use of Li Wei in older adults. This population may have increased sensitivity to the drug's blood pressure-lowering effects, which is associated with a higher potential for symptoms like dizziness or fainting.


Q: What happens if you stop taking Li Wei suddenly?

A: Official documents explicitly state that treatment must not be stopped abruptly; instead, the dose should be gradually tapered as directed. Abrupt withdrawal has been noted in official documents to potentially lead to an increase in symptoms for long-term users.


Q: Are there any serious, but rare, side effects linked to Li Wei?

A: The most serious documented safety concern associated with the use of Li Wei is severe hypotension, a profound drop in blood pressure. This effect can potentially lead to syncope (fainting) or circulatory collapse.


Q: Is it okay to drive while taking Li Wei?

A: Official labeling advises caution regarding activities such as driving or operating machinery. Regulatory labeling includes a note that caution is advised regarding these activities until an individual knows how the drug affects them.


Q: Can Li Wei cause issues with vision?

A: Vision issues are not commonly listed as a direct side effect in primary regulatory information. However, the drug's effect on blood flow has been the subject of research concerning the optic nerve and ocular circulation.


Q: Is it normal to feel a bit nauseous when starting Li Wei?

A: Yes, nausea is officially classified as a common side effect of Li Wei. Similar to headaches, these symptoms are often reported in the early stages of treatment and typically diminish during long-term use.


Q: What is the difference between Li Wei and a placebo in studies?

A: Clinical trials have shown that Li Wei demonstrated a significant antianginal effect that was not observed with a placebo. This means that the active medication demonstrated a significant antianginal effect in comparison to the placebo.


Q: Does Li Wei lose its effectiveness over time?

A: Regulatory documents describe that the loss of effectiveness, known as tolerance, is prevented by the mandated nitrate-free interval built into the dosing schedule. When the drug is used as officially directed, its long-term effect is maintained.


Q: What are the limitations of the current research on Li Wei?

A: Official reports indicate that long-term follow-up research is limited, with most controlled studies lasting no more than six months. Furthermore, research has not yet fully established whether the drug is associated with a change in the progression of the underlying condition it is used for.


Q: Do official documents mention any long-term effects of Li Wei?

A: Official documents explicitly state that long-term follow-up research is limited, with most controlled clinical trials having a duration of no more than six months. Therefore, conclusions regarding effects beyond this period are not widely established in the core regulatory labeling.


Q: Can Li Wei be taken with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen?

A: While primary regulatory labeling focuses on other interactions, certain official resources note that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may potentially reduce the efficacy of the nitrate component of Li Wei.


Q: How long does Li Wei stay in your system after you stop taking it?

A: The active ingredient in Li Wei has a mean plasma elimination half-life of approximately 5 hours. It is primarily metabolized by the liver, and most of the drug and its breakdown products are then eliminated from the body through the kidneys in the urine.


Q: Can Li Wei affect fertility?

A: Official regulatory information on fertility often indicates that effects have not been established or there is no information of relevance from preclinical data to advise the prescriber. The drug's effects on human fertility are not established within regulatory documents.


Q: What are the current trials or ongoing research related to Li Wei?

A: Ongoing research is registered with government bodies such as the NIH. For example, one trial is currently evaluating the combination of Li Wei and another drug on artery grafts after coronary bypass surgery.


Q: How is Li Wei eliminated from the body?

A: Li Wei is primarily metabolized (broken down) in the liver. The resulting compounds, mostly inactive metabolites, are then mainly eliminated from the body through the kidneys in the urine.


Q: Is it dangerous to accidentally take too much Li Wei?

A: Accidentally taking too much Li Wei may result in symptoms of nitrate overdose, commonly including a severe or pulsing headache. More serious risks officially noted are a profound drop in blood pressure (severe hypotension) or syncope (fainting).


Q: Is Li Wei approved for use during pregnancy?

A: The safety and effectiveness of Li Wei during pregnancy have not been established. Official documents state that use is restricted and advised only if clearly needed.


Q: What should I do if the side effects of Li Wei feel too strong?

A: Official patient information states that severe symptoms such as fainting, severe dizziness, or any sign of profound low blood pressure require immediate medical attention or emergency help.

How should Li Wei be stored and disposed of?

The official requirements for storing and disposing of Li Wei (Isosorbide Mononitrate) are strictly defined to maintain product stability and ensure public safety.

Storage Factor Regulatory Requirement
Temperature Store at Controlled Room Temperature (15 C to 30 C); keep from freezing and excessive heat.
Protection Protect from light and excessive moisture; do not store in the bathroom.
Container Keep the medicine in its original container, tightly closed.
Child Safety Keep out of the sight and reach of children and pets.
Disposal Do not flush unused or expired medication down the toilet or throw in the household trash. Use a drug take-back program or follow local waste disposal instructions.

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

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