Drug Class: Nitrate Vasodilator | Form: Sustained-Release Oral Tablet | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Cardnit 6.4mg Tablet?
Cardnit 6.4mg contains a higher sustained-release dose of Glyceryl Trinitrate (GTN) — prescribed for patients requiring stronger, longer-acting protection against angina. Like the 2.6mg strength, it works by releasing nitric oxide to relax and widen coronary arteries and veins — reducing the heart's workload and improving oxygen delivery to the heart muscle. The 6.4mg strength is typically prescribed when the lower dose provides insufficient angina control, or when a patient's coronary artery disease requires more sustained vasodilation throughout the day.
What is Cardnit 6.4mg Used For?
- Prevention of chronic stable angina — long-term protection against chest pain in coronary artery disease (سینے کا درد / انجائنا)
- Improved heart efficiency — widening blood vessels so the heart pumps with less effort and strain
- Long-term angina management — as part of a full cardiac treatment plan for patients with established coronary disease
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Take exactly as prescribed. Never stop suddenly — abrupt discontinuation can trigger rebound angina. This tablet does NOT treat acute angina attacks — always carry fast-acting GTN for emergencies.
| Indication | Usual Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic stable angina prevention | 6.4mg | Two to three times daily as directed |
- Swallow whole with a full glass of water — never crush, chew, or break the tablet
- Take at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day as directed
- A nitrate-free interval of 8–12 hours (usually overnight) is essential to prevent tolerance developing
Active Ingredient
| Ingredient | Strength per Tablet |
|---|---|
| Glyceryl Trinitrate (Nitroglycerin) | 6.4mg |
Who Should NOT Take Cardnit 6.4mg?
- Known allergy to Glyceryl Trinitrate or any nitrate medicine
- Currently taking PDE-5 inhibitors — Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil, or Vardenafil — life-threatening blood pressure drop
- Severe low blood pressure (hypotension) or hypovolaemia (low blood volume)
- Raised intracranial pressure — head injury or brain conditions
- Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
- Severe anaemia or cardiovascular collapse
Consult your doctor before use if you have: liver or kidney disease, thyroid conditions, history of low blood pressure, or are taking other heart or blood pressure medicines.
Side Effects
Common — especially at start or after dose increase:
- Throbbing headache — most common nitrate side effect; usually improves within 1–2 weeks
- Dizziness or lightheadedness — especially on standing up quickly
- Facial flushing or warmth
- Nausea or mild stomach discomfort
Serious — seek medical attention immediately:
- Severe hypotension — sudden fainting, collapse, or extreme dizziness (یہ طبی ہنگامی صورتحال ہے)
- Paradoxical worsening of chest pain — rare but requires urgent medical review
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat requiring urgent assessment
- Bluish discolouration of lips or fingernails — rare methaemoglobinaemia at very high doses
Drug Interactions
| Medicine | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Sildenafil / Tadalafil / Vardenafil (PDE-5 inhibitors) | Absolutely contraindicated — potentially fatal blood pressure drop |
| Antihypertensives / diuretics | Additive blood pressure lowering — hypotension risk increases |
| Other nitrates or GTN preparations | Combined nitrate use increases hypotension risk significantly |
| Alcohol (شراب) | Worsens blood pressure drop and dizziness — avoid completely |
| Heparin | GTN may reduce Heparin effectiveness — requires monitoring |
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight
- Keep in original packaging — GTN is sensitive to light and temperature changes
- 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: What is the difference between Cardnit 2.6mg and 6.4mg? Cardnit 6.4mg is a higher strength prescribed when the 2.6mg dose does not provide sufficient angina control — your cardiologist will decide which strength is appropriate for your condition.
Q: Can I use Cardnit 6.4mg to stop an angina attack already happening? No — this is a preventive sustained-release tablet only. Always carry your fast-acting GTN spray or sublingual tablet to treat acute chest pain attacks immediately.
Q: Why must I have a nitrate-free period every day? Without a daily nitrate-free gap of 8–12 hours, the body quickly becomes tolerant to GTN and the medicine loses its effectiveness — your doctor will advise the best timing for this gap.
Q: My headaches from Cardnit are very severe — should I stop taking it? Never stop without consulting your doctor. Headaches are expected with nitrates and usually reduce over 1–2 weeks — your doctor may adjust the dose or timing to help manage them.
⚕️ 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 — always carry fast-acting GTN for acute attacks