Active ingredient: pentaerythrityl tetranitrateThe active ingredient belongs to the group of vasodilating substances (nitrates) and is used to promote blood flow to the heart in the case of constricted coronary arteries. In the organism, the active ingredient is broken down into the body’s own nitrogen monoxide (NO). This has a direct dilating effect on the blood vessels.
Due to the improved blood circulation, the heart is better supplied with oxygen and attacks of chest pain (angina pectoris) are prevented. In contrast to other drugs from the nitrate group, Pentalong® should neither lead to nitrate-related headaches nor to tolerance development. Pentalong® has been sold in dosages of 80mg and 50mg.
However, since May 20, 2014, the drug is only approved in the 50mg dosage, as extensive studies have not been able to prove a sufficient effect of the higher dosage in patients with angina pectoris. The drug is available only on prescription. It is suitable for prevention and long-term treatment.
Revenue
Unless otherwise prescribed, patients take 2-3 tablets of Pentalong® 50mg unchewed daily about half an hour before meals. The duration of the treatment or a deviating intake is determined by the treating physician. If overdose is suspected, treatment should be discontinued and a doctor consulted immediately. If a tablet is missed, do not take a double dose, but continue with the medication normally at the next regular time.
Side effects
As a very common side effect (more than 1 treated person out of 10) patients complain of headaches. Frequently (1 to 10 treated out of 100) undesirable symptoms may also occur, such as low blood pressure, circulatory regulation disorders with collapse, dizziness, light-headedness and rapid heartbeat. Occasionally (1 to 10 treated out of 1,000) there is a fleeting flush and allergic skin reactions.
More rarely (1 to 10 treated in 10,000), nausea and vomiting, skin rash, heart rhythm disturbances or shortness of breath occur. Very rarely (less than 1 treated person in 10,000) severe inflammatory skin diseases have been described as a result of taking Pentalong® (e.g. exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, angioedema). As soon as such or other symptoms are noticed, a doctor should be informed or consulted immediately and the medication should not be taken again.