-5%
Monocard is used to prevent and treat angina pectoris caused by coronary artery disease.
It is not fast-acting enough to stop an angina attack once it has started.
Isosorbide mononitrate is the main active breakdown product of isosorbide dinitrate and is responsible for most of its effects.
It relaxes blood vessel walls (vascular smooth muscle), which causes widening of veins and arteries — especially veins.
- Vein widening reduces the amount of blood returning to the heart (preload), lowering pressure inside the heart and lungs.
- Artery widening reduces resistance in blood circulation (afterload) and lowers blood pressure.
It also widens the coronary arteries, improving blood supply to the heart muscle.
The exact importance of each of these effects in relieving angina is not fully known.