Preductal® OD (Trimetazidine) 80 mg, 30 capsules
- $41.00
Other brand names: Vastarel, Moduxin, Matenol, Tacirel LM, Angiozil Retard, Trimet, Cardimax
What is Preductal® OD (Trimetazidine)?
Preductal® OD is a medication that contains trimetazidine, which is commonly used to treat patients with stable angina, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
It works by improving the energy metabolism of heart cells during low oxygen conditions, ensuring the heart continues to function effectively.
Trimetazidine does not affect blood pressure or heart rate but helps protect heart tissue from damage due to ischemia (lack of oxygen).
How does Preductal® OD work?
Preductal® OD works in a fascinating way by supporting your heart when it’s under stress, especially when it doesn't get enough oxygen.
Normally, your heart relies on fatty acids for energy, but in times of low oxygen, this process isn’t very efficient.
That’s where Preductal® OD comes in—it shifts the heart’s energy production from fatty acids to glucose, which requires less oxygen to generate the same amount of energy.
Imagine your heart is like a car running uphill. When oxygen levels are low, it's as if the fuel (oxygen) is running out, and the car starts sputtering.
Preductal® OD helps the heart "switch gears," allowing it to use a more efficient fuel (glucose) so it can keep running smoothly even under pressure.
This protects the heart cells from damage, reduces pain, and improves overall performance without affecting your blood pressure or heart rate.
In essence, it gives your heart a clever workaround, making sure it gets the energy it needs, no matter how hard it’s working!
What are the benefits of Preductal® OD?
Preductal® OD offers several important benefits, especially for people with heart conditions like stable angina.
This medication helps the heart work more efficiently when it doesn’t get enough oxygen.
By switching the heart’s energy production to a more oxygen-efficient process, it reduces chest pain and allows you to be more active without discomfort.
One key advantage of Preductal® OD is that it does not lower your blood pressure or heart rate.
Instead, it protects the heart at the cellular level, making sure your heart has enough energy to keep working, even when it’s under stress.
As a result, many people feel less fatigued and more able to handle physical activities without pain.
Can Preductal® OD Be Used in Sports?
Preductal® OD (trimetazidine) has gained attention in the sports world due to its potential to enhance physical performance.
The drug helps the heart use oxygen more efficiently, making it particularly interesting for endurance athletes.
By shifting energy production from fatty acids to glucose, trimetazidine reduces oxygen consumption and may theoretically help improve exercise capacity, especially in sports that demand prolonged cardiovascular effort, such as cycling, long-distance running, and rowing.
However, its use in sports is highly controversial. Since 2014, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has banned trimetazidine under the category of "hormone and metabolic modulators."
This classification is based on its potential to enhance endurance by reducing fatigue and improving cardiac efficiency.
Athletes have been disqualified from competitions after testing positive for this drug, including high-profile cases in swimming, figure skating, and marathon running (MDPI) (Wikipedia).
While trimetazidine might be beneficial for athletes with heart conditions, there is limited evidence to support its effectiveness in improving performance for healthy athletes.
Experts argue that, for young and healthy individuals, the impact of trimetazidine on performance is likely minimal, as their hearts are already functioning at peak efficiency.
Additionally, the use of this medication could lead to side effects, such as tremors, muscle stiffness, or even symptoms resembling Parkinson’s disease with long-term use (MDPI) (Verywell Health).
Who can use Preductal® OD?
Preductal® OD is prescribed to adults suffering from stable angina, especially when first-line treatments are not sufficient or are not tolerated.
It is not suitable for children or teenagers under the age of 18 due to a lack of research on its safety and efficacy in younger populations.
How should Preductal® OD be taken?
Preductal® OD (80 mg) is usually taken once daily in the morning during breakfast.
The capsules should be swallowed whole and not opened or chewed.
After three months of treatment, a doctor will evaluate its effectiveness and determine whether to continue or stop the medication.
For patients with kidney issues or the elderly, dosage adjustments may be required.
Are there any side effects?
Common side effects of Preductal® OD include:
- Dizziness and headaches
- Stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting
- Skin reactions such as rashes or itching
- Fatigue or weakness
Rare but more severe side effects include tremors, muscle stiffness, or movement disorders similar to Parkinson’s disease, especially in older patients. If such symptoms occur, discontinuing the medication may be necessary.
Who should not use Preductal® OD?
Preductal® OD should not be used by:
- Patients with Parkinson’s disease or similar movement disorders
- Individuals with severe kidney problems
- Those with an allergy to trimetazidine or any of the excipients in the capsules
Can Preductal® OD be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There is limited information on the safety of trimetazidine during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid using this medication during these periods unless clearly necessary.
How should Preductal® OD be stored?
Preductal® OD should be stored at temperatures below 30°C (86°F) and kept out of reach of children.
