Fate of orally given isosorbide dinitrate in man: factors of variability

After oral administration of isosorbide dinitrate, plasma concentrations of isosorbide dinitrate and mononitrates can be measured. An attempt was made to identify a number of factors which influence these plasma concentrations. Presence of renal failure, acute or chronic treatment with beta-blocking agents, and chronic cimetidine treatment did not influence the plasma concentrations. In a number of patients with cirrhosis, however, plasma concentrations of isosorbide dinitrate were found to be higher than in noncirrhotic patients.