Drug Class: Nitrate Vasodilator | Form: Sustained-Release Oral Tablet | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Cardnit 2.6mg Tablet? Cardnit 2.6mg contains Glyceryl Trinitrate (GTN) — a nitrate medicine that relaxes and widens blood vessels, allowing more oxygen-rich blood to reach the heart muscle. It works by releasing nitric oxide inside blood vessel walls, which causes both the coronary arteries supplying the heart and the veins returning blood to the heart to dilate — reducing the heart's workload from both sides simultaneously. As a sustained-release tablet, Cardnit provides prolonged protection against angina attacks throughout the day, rather than just immediate relief.
What is Cardnit 2.6mg Used For?
- Prevention of angina pectoris — long-term protection against chest pain caused by coronary artery disease (سینے کا درد / انجائنا)
- Reduction of heart workload — in patients with coronary artery disease where the heart is under chronic strain
- Management of stable angina — as part of a wider cardiac treatment plan alongside other heart medicines
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Take exactly as prescribed. Never stop suddenly — abrupt discontinuation can trigger rebound angina. This tablet does NOT replace fast-acting GTN spray or sublingual tablets for acute attacks.
| Indication | Usual Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Angina prevention | 2.6mg – 6.4mg | Two to three times daily |
- Swallow whole — do not crush, chew, or break the tablet as this destroys the sustained-release mechanism
- Take at evenly spaced intervals as directed by your doctor
- A nitrate-free interval of 8–12 hours daily (usually overnight) is recommended by your doctor to prevent tolerance
Active Ingredient
| Ingredient | Strength per Tablet |
|---|---|
| Glyceryl Trinitrate (Nitroglycerin) | 2.6mg |
Who Should NOT Take Cardnit?
- Known allergy to Glyceryl Trinitrate or any nitrate medicine
- Currently taking PDE-5 inhibitors — Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil, or Vardenafil — this combination causes a sudden, life-threatening drop in blood pressure
- Severe anaemia or low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Raised intracranial pressure (head injury or brain conditions)
- Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
- Shock or cardiovascular collapse
Consult your doctor before use if you have: kidney or liver disease, thyroid disease, history of low blood pressure, or are taking antihypertensive medicines.
Side Effects
Common — especially at start of treatment:
- Throbbing headache — very common with nitrates; usually reduces over time
- Dizziness or lightheadedness — particularly on standing up suddenly
- Flushing of the face or neck
- Mild nausea
Serious — seek medical attention immediately:
- Severe drop in blood pressure — sudden fainting, extreme dizziness, or collapse (یہ طبی ہنگامی صورتحال ہے)
- Worsening chest pain — paradoxical angina with high doses
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat — palpitations requiring urgent assessment
- Methaemoglobinaemia — bluish discolouration of lips or fingernails with very high doses — rare but serious
Drug Interactions
| Medicine | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Sildenafil / Tadalafil / Vardenafil (PDE-5 inhibitors) | Absolutely contraindicated — causes severe, potentially fatal blood pressure drop |
| Antihypertensives / diuretics | Additive blood pressure lowering — risk of hypotension |
| Alcohol (شراب) | Significantly worsens blood pressure drop and dizziness — avoid completely |
| Heparin | GTN infusion may reduce Heparin's anticoagulant effect — monitoring required |
| Other nitrates | Combined use increases hypotension risk — inform your doctor of all nitrate medicines |
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight
- Keep in original packaging — GTN is sensitive to light and heat
- Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
- Do not use after expiry date on the pack
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use Cardnit tablets during an acute angina attack? No — Cardnit is a sustained-release preventive tablet, not a fast-acting rescue medicine. Use your prescribed GTN spray or sublingual tablet for acute chest pain attacks.
Q: Why do I get a headache after taking Cardnit? Headache is a very common and expected side effect of nitrates caused by blood vessel dilation in the brain — it usually becomes less severe within the first 1–2 weeks as your body adjusts.
Q: What is nitrate tolerance and how do I avoid it? Nitrate tolerance means the medicine becomes less effective with continuous use — your doctor prevents this by prescribing a nitrate-free period of 8–12 hours daily, usually overnight.
Q: Is it safe to take Cardnit with my blood pressure medicine? Cardnit lowers blood pressure on its own — combining it with antihypertensives requires careful monitoring. Always inform your cardiologist of every medicine you are taking.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This description is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping this medicine. Never take with Sildenafil or any PDE-5 inhibitor — this combination is life-threatening.
DRAP Registered | Prescription Required (Rx) | Swallow whole — never combine with Sildenafil or Viagra — carry fast-acting GTN for acute attacks