GTN Sorbitrate -CR 6.4 Tablet (Nitroglycerin )

INTRODUCTION

GTN SORBITRATE CR 6.4MG contains Nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate) which belongs to a group of medicines called vasodilators. It is used to prevent and treat chest pain caused by angina pectoris. Angina pectoris is defined as a sudden, sharp, severe pain originating from the apex of heart and radiating to the left shoulder. The pain is severe and crushing, and it is characterized by feeling of pressure and suffocation, behind breastbone. It occurs when there is an inadequate supply of oxygen for the heart.

Nitroglycerin works by relaxing the blood vessels of your heart, and this reduces the strain on the heart by making it easier to pump blood. Along with the treatment, your doctor might ask you to make certain lifestyle changes such as quitting alcohol and smoking, improve your sleep at night, eating a healthy diet and manage weight.

Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you depending upon your condition. The most common side effect of taking this medicine are headache, dizziness and irregular heartbeat. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have severe anemia, increased intracranial pressure, cerebral haemorrhage, diabetes or glaucoma (increased pressure in eye). If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. This medicine is generally not recommended for use in children.

USES OF GTN SORBITRATE CR 6.4MG

• Prevents and treats chest pain associated with angina pectoris in adults

HOW GTN SORBITRATE CR 6.4MG WORKS

Nitroglycerin is converted into free radical nitric oxide which activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase. Activation of this enzyme leads to dephosphorylation, which relaxes vascular smooth muscles and blood vessels in your body which increases the amount of blood and oxygen flow to the heart. It reduces cardiac preload and afterload and also reduces spasm of coronary artery, decreasing systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure. This helps in relieving chest pain (angina) and in the management of blood pressure.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Sublingual Tablet:

Always take GTN SORBITRATE CR 6.4MG as directed by your physician. Sit down and place 1 tablet beneath your tongue and allow it to dissolve slowly. If symptoms are not relieved, repeat the dose after 5 minutes. Do not swallow the medicine. If still pain persists after a total of 3 doses in 15 minutes, you should seek immediate medical advice. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you depending upon your condition. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

Oral Tablet or Capsule:

Always take GTN SORBITRATE CR 6.4MG as directed by your physician. Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. The usual dosage is 1 or 2 tablet, three times a day, between meals. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you depending upon your condition. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

SIDE EFFECTS OF GTN SORBITRATE CR 6.4MG

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Headache: 

Apply hot or cold-water bag on your head. Take rest in a quiet and dark room. Drink tea or coffee.

Dizziness or drowsiness:

Try to rest and relax. Avoid travelling, driving or standing for a long time. If symptoms worsen, consult your doctor immediately.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

• Medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction (e.g. alprostadil, sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil)
• Other medicine used to treat angina such as long acting nitrates (isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate)
• Medicines used to treat high blood pressure (propranolol, captopril)
• Medicines used to treat depression or other mental health conditions
• Medicines used to treat migraine (ergot alkaloids)
• Heparin (used to thin the blood)
• Apomorphine (used to treat Parkinson’s disease)