Vastarel

Generic Name: Trimetazidine
Brand Names: Vastarel MR is also distributed as: Vastarel 35 mg, Vastarel 20 mg, Vastarel LM, Vastarel LP, Preductal MR, Flavedon MR, Cardaptan, Idaptan, Carvidon MR and Trizedon MR

Trimetazidine is a drug for angina pectoris, sometimes referred to by the brand name Vastarel MR. Each tablet contains 35 mg of trimetazidine. Trimetazidine is an anti-ischemic (anti-anginal) metabolic agent, which improves myocardial glucose utilization through stopping of fatty acid metabolism.

By preserving the energy metabolism in cells exposed to hypoxia or ischemia, trimetazidine prevents a decrease in intracellular adenosine triphosphate levels, thereby ensuring the proper functioning of ionic pumps and transmembranous sodium-potassium flow whilst maintaining cellular homeostasis. It also inhibits oxidation of fatty acid in blood vessels.

Controlled studies in angina patients have shown that trimetazidine increases coronary flow reserve, thereby delaying the onset of ischemia associated with exercise, limits rapid swings in blood pressure without any significant variations in heart rate, significantly decreases the frequency of angina attacks, and leads to a significant decrease in the use of nitrates.

It improves left ventricular function in diabetic patients with coronary heart disease. Recently, it has been shown to be effective in patients with heart failure of different etiologies (5-6).

Trimetazidine is described as the first cytoprotective anti-ischemic agent. It acts by directly counteracting all the major metabolic disorders occurring within the ischemic cell. The actions of trimetazidine include limitation of intracellular acidosis, correction of disturbances of transmembrane ion exchanges, and prevention of excessive production of free radicals.

Trimetazidine is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment of angina pectoris, and in some countries (including France) for tinnitus and dizziness. It is taken twice a day.

Trimetazidine has high safety and tolerability profile. It has no known drug interactions.