Cardnit Side Effects

Cardnit is a medication commonly used to treat angina (chest pain) and certain heart conditions. It works by dilating blood vessels, improving blood flow, and reducing the workload on the heart. Here are some common and less common side effects of Cardnit.

Common Side Effects

• Headaches: One of the most common side effects of Cardnit is headache. It is often diminished as the body adjusts to the medication.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling faint or unsteady, especially when standing up quickly.
• Flushing or Skin Redness: Temporary reddening or warmth of the skin, often in the face or neck.
• Low Blood Pressure: As a vasodilator, Cardnit can lower blood pressure, leading to symptoms like weakness, fatigue, or fainting in some individuals.
• Fast Heartbeat (Tachycardia): Some people may experience an increased heart rate after taking Cardnit.
• Nausea or Vomiting: Occasional gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea or vomiting.
• Tolerance: Prolonged use of Cardnit can lead to tolerance, where the body becomes less responsive to the medication’s effects. This might require dosage adjustments.

Less Common Side Effects

• Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): In some cases, the vasodilatory effects of Cardnit can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, leading to symptoms like extreme dizziness, fainting, or feeling weak.
• Syncope (Fainting): Severe drops in blood pressure can occasionally result in loss of consciousness.
• Tachycardia or Palpitations: Some individuals might experience a rapid or irregular heartbeat after taking Cardnit.
• Methemoglobinemia: This is a rare condition where there’s an abnormal amount of methemoglobin in the blood, reducing its ability to carry oxygen. Symptoms might include bluish discoloration of the skin, shortness of breath, headache, or fatigue.
• Increased Intracranial Pressure: Cardnit can occasionally lead to increased pressure within the skull, resulting in symptoms like severe headaches, vomiting, or vision changes. This is particularly important in individuals with head injuries.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Less commonly, some people may experience gastrointestinal disturbances such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation.
• Respiratory Issues: Cardnit can sometimes cause respiratory problems, including shortness of breath or worsening of pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma.

Cardnit is one of the leading brands of Glyceryl Trinitrate, manufactured and marketed by Atco Laboratories Ltd, Pakistan.

Presently, Cardnit is available in Tablet Form with the following strengths.

Cardnit Tablets : 2.6mg and 6.4mg strengths.

1. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors: Medications used to treat erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra), can potentiate the blood pressure-lowering effects of Cardnit. Concomitant use can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure, causing dizziness, fainting, or even a heart attack. The combination of these drugs is contraindicated due to the risk of a life-threatening decrease in blood pressure.
2. Beta-blockers and Calcium Channel Blockers: These medications are commonly used to manage high blood pressure or heart conditions. When used with Cardnit, they can enhance the vasodilatory effects, leading to excessive drops in blood pressure. This combination needs careful monitoring by a healthcare provider to avoid significant hypotension.
3. Antihypertensive Agents: Other drugs used to lower blood pressure, such as alpha-blockers or other vasodilators, can potentiate the hypotensive effects of Cardnit, potentially causing severe drops in blood pressure.
4. Tricyclic Antidepressants and Antipsychotics: Certain antidepressants like amitriptyline and antipsychotics such as phenothiazines can interact with Cardnit, enhancing its blood pressure-lowering effects.
5. Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol with Cardnit can increase the risk of dizziness and hypotension.
6. Heparin and Warfarin: These medications used as anticoagulants might have their effects enhanced when taken with Cardnit, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.
7. Aspirin and NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): These drugs can increase the risk of Cardnit-induced hypotension and might also interfere with its antiplatelet effects.