NITRATES - SORBITRATE COMMON USES: Nitrates (NYE-trates) are used to treat the symptoms of angina (chest pain). Depending on the type of dosage form and how it is taken, nitrates are used to treat angina in three ways: to relieve an attack that is occurring by using the medicine when the attack begins; to prevent attacks from occurring by using the medicine just before an attack is expected to occur; or to reduce the number of attacks that occur by using the medicine regularly on a long-term basis. When taken orally and swallowed, nitrates are used to reduce the number of angina attacks that occur. They do not act fast enough to relieve the pain of an angina attack. Nitrates work by relaxing blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its work load. Nitrates may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. It will work only if taken correctly. This form of nitrate is used to reduce the number of angina attacks. In most cases, it will not relieve an attack that has already started because it works too slowly (the extended-release form releases medicine gradually over a 6-hour period to provide its effect for 8 to 10 hours). Check with your doctor if you need a fast-acting medicine to relieve the pain of an angina attack. Take this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water on an empty stomach. If taken either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, it will start working sooner. Extended-release capsules and tablets are not to be broken, crushed, or chewed before they are swallowed. If broken up, they will not release the medicine properly. Storage Conditions: To store this medicine: Keep out of the reach of children. Store away from heat and direct light. Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.