Elantan 20 mg Tablets (SPC): Uses, Side Effects & FAQs
Quick summary Elantan 20 mg tablets contain isosorbide mononitrate and are used to help prevent angina (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart). They are not intended for immediate relief during...
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
Quick summary
Elantan 20 mg tablets contain isosorbide mononitrate and are used to help prevent angina (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart). They are not intended for immediate relief during an angina attack.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not replace the official patient information leaflet, Summary of Product Characteristics, or advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Always follow the instructions given with your prescription.
What Elantan 20 mg tablets are used for
Elantan 20 mg tablets are mainly used for the prevention of angina pectoris. Angina is chest pain linked to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
The medicine is used as a preventive treatment. It is not meant to treat a sudden angina attack.
Because angina management can vary from person to person, it is important to check the exact purpose of your prescription with a healthcare professional.
How Elantan works
The active ingredient in Elantan 20 mg tablets is isosorbide mononitrate.
Isosorbide mononitrate belongs to a group of medicines called nitrates. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which can improve blood flow to the heart and reduce the heart’s workload.
This vasodilating effect is why the medicine is used to help prevent angina episodes.
Active ingredient and formulation
Active ingredient: Isosorbide mononitrate
The tablet may also contain inactive ingredients that help with the tablet’s formulation. These are not the main therapeutic ingredient.
If you need to check the full ingredient list, refer to the official leaflet or ask a pharmacist.
Is Elantan a beta-blocker?
No. Elantan is not a beta-blocker.
It is a nitrate medicine. Beta-blockers and nitrates work in different ways, although they may sometimes be used together in angina treatment plans under medical supervision.
How to take Elantan 20 mg tablets
Elantan should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water.
- Do not crush or chew it unless your pharmacist or doctor has told you otherwise.
- Take it consistently in the way advised by your prescriber.
- If you miss a dose, follow the instructions on your prescription or leaflet.
If you are unsure how to take the medicine, ask a pharmacist or doctor to explain the directions on your label.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Elantan 20 mg tablets may cause side effects in some people.
Side effects mentioned in the original content include:
- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Flushing
- Nausea
These effects may improve as the body adjusts, but persistent or troublesome symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
More serious problems such as very low blood pressure or allergic reactions need urgent medical attention.
What to do if too much Elantan is taken
Taking too much Elantan can be dangerous.
Possible signs of overdose mentioned in the source content include:
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Severe headache
- Low blood pressure
If an overdose is suspected, seek urgent medical help right away. Keep the medicine out of reach of children.
Key points to check with a doctor or pharmacist
If you have been prescribed Elantan, it can help to confirm the following:
- Why it has been prescribed for you
- How and when to take it
- What side effects to watch for
- What to do if you miss a dose
- Whether it can be taken with your other medicines
These checks are especially useful if you are also taking treatment for heart conditions or blood pressure.
Frequently asked questions
▸ What is Elantan used for?
Elantan is mainly used to help prevent angina pectoris, which is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
▸ Isosorbide mononitrate 20 mg used for what?
Isosorbide mononitrate 20 mg is used for the prevention of angina. It helps widen blood vessels and reduce the heart’s workload.
▸ Is Elantan used for sudden chest pain?
No. The source content states that Elantan is used to prevent angina episodes, not for immediate relief during an attack.
▸ Is Elantan a beta-blocker?
No. Elantan is a nitrate medicine, not a beta-blocker.
▸ What side effects are mentioned for Elantan?
The source content lists headache, dizziness or lightheadedness, flushing, and nausea. It also notes that low blood pressure and allergic reactions can be serious.
▸ What should I do if I take too much?
Seek urgent medical help immediately if an overdose is suspected, especially if there is fainting, severe dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or low blood pressure.
Safety reminder: If you have chest pain, severe dizziness, fainting, swelling, rash, or breathing difficulty, seek urgent medical help. Do not change how you take Elantan without speaking to your prescriber or pharmacist.
Medical disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always ask a doctor, pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
Sources and verification
The following sources or official references are listed to support verification of the medicine information discussed in this article.
- NHS: Isosorbide mononitrate
- Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc): Patient Information Leaflets
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- NICE: Stable angina guidance
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Medicine information can change and may vary depending on country, product formulation, patient history and professional guidance. Always check official medicine information and ask a healthcare professional for personal medical questions.