Vastarel: Advanced Treatment for Stable Angina Pectoris
Vastarel
| Product dosage: 20 mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| 90 | 0.64 $ | 77.22 $ 57.33 $ (26%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | 0.61 $
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Synonyms | |||
Vastarel, containing the active substance trimetazidine, represents a significant advancement in the metabolic management of stable angina pectoris. This anti-ischaemic agent operates through a unique cellular mechanism, optimizing cardiac energy metabolism under ischaemic conditions, thereby reducing the frequency of angina attacks and improving exercise tolerance without direct haemodynamic effects. It is a cornerstone in the therapeutic strategy for patients where standard antianginal treatments are insufficient, contraindicated, or poorly tolerated, offering a complementary approach to disease management. Prescribed under medical supervision, Vastarel is indicated for adults as add-on therapy for the symptomatic treatment of stable angina pectoris.
Features
- Active ingredient: Trimetazidine Dihydrochloride
- Pharmacotherapeutic group: Other cardiac preparations, metabolic agents
- Mechanism of Action: Selective inhibitor of 3-ketoacyl CoA thiolase (3-KAT), an enzyme within the mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation pathway
- Presentation: Film-coated tablets (20 mg and 35 mg modified-release)
- Prescription Status: Prescription-only medication (POM)
- Metabolic Agent: Works at the cellular level to optimize energy production in ischaemic conditions
Benefits
- Reduces the frequency of angina pectoris attacks by improving myocardial glucose utilization through inhibition of fatty acid metabolism.
- Enhances exercise capacity and delays the onset of exercise-induced ischaemia, allowing for improved daily activity and quality of life.
- Provides symptomatic relief without significantly affecting haemodynamic parameters such as heart rate or blood pressure.
- Serves as an effective add-on therapy to conventional antianginal treatments (e.g., beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers) when a combination is clinically required.
- Offers a well-tolerated treatment option with a distinct metabolic mechanism, suitable for a broad range of adult patients.
Common use
Vastarel is primarily used as add-on therapy for the symptomatic treatment of stable angina pectoris in adults. It is employed when patients continue to experience symptoms despite treatment with, or are intolerant to, first-line antianginal agents. Its metabolic mode of action makes it a valuable complementary treatment that does not duplicate the mechanisms of other drug classes, allowing for a multifaceted approach to managing myocardial ischaemia.
Dosage and direction
The dosage must be individualized based on patient response and tolerability, under the direct supervision of a physician. The standard dosage for the 20 mg tablet is one tablet three times daily with meals. For the 35 mg modified-release tablet, the standard dosage is one tablet twice daily, with meals. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and should not be chewed or crushed. Treatment should be initiated and monitored by a healthcare professional experienced in the management of ischaemic heart disease. Regular clinical assessment is recommended to evaluate the continued need for therapy.
Precautions
Vastarel should be used with caution in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment; dosage adjustment may be necessary, and the 20 mg formulation is preferred in this population. As dizziness and drowsiness have been reported, patients should be cautioned about engaging in activities requiring heightened alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until their individual response to the drug is known. It is not recommended for use in patients under 18 years of age due to a lack of data on safety and efficacy. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to certain adverse effects and should be monitored closely.
Contraindications
Vastarel is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to trimetazidine or any of the excipients listed in the product formulation. Its use is also contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min). Due to the risk of parkinsonism and other movement disorders, it must not be used in patients with Parkinson’s disease, parkinsonian symptoms, tremors, restless legs syndrome, or other related movement disorders. It is also contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Possible side effect
Like all medicines, Vastarel can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) include dizziness, headache, and gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) include palpitations, extrasystoles, tachycardia, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, pruritus, urticaria, and rash. Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) include parkinsonism (e.g., tremor, akinesia, rigidity), gait instability, restless legs syndrome, and other movement disorders, which are usually reversible upon discontinuation of treatment. Isolated cases of thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis have been reported. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their physician.
Drug interaction
Formal interaction studies are limited. However, due to its metabolic profile, interactions with drugs that are also metabolized or that significantly influence metabolic pathways should be considered. Caution is advised when administering Vastarel with other drugs that may cause dizziness or drowsiness, as additive effects may occur. As an anti-ischaemic agent, its effects are complementary to those of haemodynamic agents like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, and no negative interactions are typically expected. A healthcare provider should review all concomitant medications.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the patient should return to their regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Maintaining a consistent dosing schedule is important for optimal therapeutic effect.
Overdose
Cases of overdose have been reported very rarely. Based on the known effects of the active substance, suspected overdose could potentially lead to an amplification of its known adverse effects, such as severe drowsiness, dizziness, or gastrointestinal upset. There is no known specific antidote for trimetazidine overdose. Management should consist of supportive and symptomatic measures, including gastric lavage if ingestion was recent and close monitoring of vital signs. Treatment should be directed by a physician, potentially in a hospital setting.
Storage
Keep Vastarel out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date, which is stated on the blister and carton after “EXP.” The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Store in the original package to protect from moisture. Do not store above 30°C. Do not dispose of medications via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The author and publisher are not responsible for any specific health or allergy needs that may require medical supervision and are not liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation, to any person reading or following the information in this document.
Reviews
- “As a cardiologist with over twenty years of experience, I find Vastarel to be an invaluable tool in my arsenal for managing complex angina cases. Its metabolic action provides a beneficial effect that is distinct from beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, allowing for optimized combination therapy. Patient reports on exercise tolerance are consistently positive.” – Dr. A. Schmidt, Cardiologist
- “After struggling with side effects from my previous medication, my doctor added Vastarel. The reduction in my weekly angina episodes has been significant. I can now take my daily walk without the constant fear of chest pain, which has greatly improved my outlook on life.” – Patient, M, 68
- “From a clinical pharmacology standpoint, the mechanism of Vastarel is fascinating. By shifting the heart’s energy substrate from fatty acids to glucose, it promotes more efficient ATP production per unit of oxygen, which is precisely what is needed in ischaemic tissue. It’s a elegantly targeted therapy.” – Clinical Pharmacologist
- “I was initially skeptical about adding another pill, but Vastarel has made a noticeable difference. The attacks are less frequent and less intense. The only side effect I noticed was some mild dizziness in the first week, but it subsided completely.” – Patient, F, 72
- “In our practice, we reserve Vastarel for patients who are not fully controlled on first-line agents. It is particularly useful in those who cannot tolerate further reductions in heart rate or blood pressure. It fills an important niche in angina management.” – Dr. K. Ito, General Practitioner