What condition may develop with long-term use of isosorbide dinitrate?

Long-term use of isosorbide dinitrate can lead to the development of tolerance. Tolerance occurs when the body becomes accustomed to the effects of a medication over time, resulting in a decreased response to the drug. This means that patients may need higher doses to achieve the same therapeutic effect they experienced initially.

Isosorbide dinitrate is a nitrate medication primarily used to prevent angina by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow. However, with continuous exposure, the body may adapt to the presence of the drug, reducing its efficacy. To mitigate this issue, healthcare providers often recommend a nitrate-free interval, allowing the body to reset and potentially regain sensitivity to the drug.

Other concepts such as addiction, resistance, and dependency are not applicable in the context of isosorbide dinitrate use. Addiction implies a psychological dependence and compulsive behavior towards the drug, which is generally not characteristic of nitrate use. Resistance refers to an organism's ability to withstand the effects of a drug, commonly seen in antibiotics, and is not relevant here. Dependency suggests a physical or psychological reliance on a substance, which is not typically associated with isosorbide dinitrate therapy.