Indications

Trimetazidine Dihydrochloride is indicated in adults as add-on therapy for the symptomatic treatment of patients with stable angina pectoris who are inadequately controlled by or intolerant to first-line antianginal therapies.

Therapeutic Class

Other Anti-anginal & Anti-ischaemic drugs

Pharmacology

Trimetazidine Dihydrochloride is the first 3- keto acyl CoA thiolase inhibitor (KAT), a metabolic anti-ischemic agent with proven benefits for all coronary patients. Trimetazidine Dihydrochloride inhibits fatty acid pathway by inhibiting 3-keto acyl CoA thiolase enzyme and transfers oxygen to glucose pathway. Since glucose pathway is more efficient in producing energy, the same oxygen produces more energy and makes the heart more active. Moreover, the aerobic oxidation of glucose stops production of lactic acid, which prevents angina pectoris.

Dosage & Administration

The recommended dose of Trimetazidine is 35 mg twice daily or 20 mg tablet thrice daily during meals. The benefit of the treatment should be assessed after three months and Trimetazidine should be discontinued if there is no treatment response.

Interaction

No drug interaction so far has been reported. In particular, no interaction has been reported with beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, nitrates, heparin, hypolipidemic agents or digitalis preparation.

Contraindications

Trimetazidine is contraindicated in patients who have hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients. It is also is contraindicated in patients with Parkinson’s disease, parkinsonian symptoms, tremors, restless legs movement disorders, severe renal impairment.

Side Effects

Trimetazidine is safe and well tolerated. The Common side effects associated with Trimetazidine are dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, rash, pruritus, urticaria and asthenia

Pregnancy & Lactation

There is no data on the use of Trimetazidine in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity. As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of Trimetazidine during pregnancy. It is unknown whether Trimetazidine is excreted in human milk. A risk to the newborns/infants cannot be excluded. Trimetazidine should not be used during breast-feeding.

Precautions & Warnings

Trimetazidine is not a curative treatment for angina attacks, nor an initial treatment for unstable angina pectoris. It is also not a treatment for myocardial infarction.

Storage Conditions

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.