Vasorel

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Vasorel

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Trimetazidine Dihydrochloride
Form Tablet (often Modified-Release, MR)
Pharmacological class Anti-ischemic agent, Cardiac metabolic modulator
Common use Optimizing oxygen utilization in heart cells
Origin Synthetic (Piperazine derivative)

What Type of Medicine is Vasorel? (Identity and Classification)

Vasorel is a registered trade name for a medicine containing the active ingredient, Trimetazidine Dihydrochloride, a synthetic compound initially developed by Laboratoires Servier. It is officially classified as an Anti-ischemic agent and distinctively grouped as a Metabolic agent or cardiac metabolic modulator within cardiovascular therapy. This classification highlights its focus on altering heart cell metabolism, setting it apart from drugs that primarily affect blood pressure or heart rate. This distinction is clinically recognized for providing therapeutic support with a hemodynamically neutral profile.

Composition, Form, and Unique Action

The medicine is supplied as a single-ingredient product for oral administration, typically as a solid tablet, most often utilizing a modified-release tablet technology. The composition consists of the Trimetazidine Dihydrochloride active substance encapsulated within various solid pharmaceutical excipients engineered for controlled absorption. Its general purpose is to enhance the heart muscle’s tolerance to restricted oxygen supply. As a Cytoprotective agent, Trimetazidine shifts the heart's energy preference toward glucose oxidation—a more efficient pathway than fat metabolism—which aids in preserving cellular integrity and maintaining function during conditions of stress. This mechanism allows the heart to work more efficiently without requiring an increased oxygen demand.

Regulatory References

  1. European Medicines Agency (EMA) - Trimetazidine Referral

What side effects are possible with Vasorel?

Official Adverse Reactions and Safety Profile

The safety profile of Trimetazidine Dihydrochloride (Vasorel) is officially structured by classifying adverse reactions based on their frequency as reported in regulatory documents. Common adverse reactions, occurring in 1 to 10 users in 100, are primarily associated with the Gastrointestinal and Nervous System domains. These include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.


Documented Safety Classifications

Classification Examples of Reactions Affected Systems (SOC)
Common Dizziness, Headache, Vomiting, Rash Nervous, Gastrointestinal, Skin
Rare Palpitations, Tachycardia, Hypotension Cardiac, Vascular
Not Known Extrapyramidal symptoms, Hepatitis, Angioedema Nervous, Hepatobiliary, Skin

Serious Adverse Reactions and Restrictions

Adverse reactions classified as Not Known in frequency include extrapyramidal symptoms (such as tremor and gait instability), which are typically noted as reversible upon discontinuation of treatment. Severe systemic reactions like agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and hepatitis have also been documented in post-marketing experience.

The medicine has explicit safety-related restrictions in regulatory labeling. It is formally contraindicated in patients with pre-existing Parkinson disease or related movement disorders, as well as in individuals with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min). Caution is specifically advised for elderly patients and those with moderate renal impairment, reflecting documented population-specific safety notes.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The regulatory information for an overdose involving Vasorel (Trimetazidine Dihydrochloride) is documented as being very limited. Official prescribing information does not detail a specific set of unique symptoms or clinical signs associated with a massive overdose event.

Official Guidance on Emergency Action

Because detailed clinical manifestations are not specifically documented, regulatory authorities provide clear, mandatory instructions for action in any suspected overdose situation. You must seek emergency medical attention immediately if you take more of this medicine than prescribed.

Category Official Management Approach
Antidote No specific antidote is described in regulatory documents.
Management Treatment is required to be symptomatic and supportive in nature.

Documented Overdose Profile

In the event of a suspected overdose, the primary official concern is the immediate notification of emergency medical services to ensure supportive care can be initiated. Official labeling does not define specific life-threatening outcomes or population-specific risks for overdose, but the instruction to seek immediate medical help is universal for any exposure exceeding the prescribed amount. Management focuses solely on stabilizing the patient and treating any symptoms that may arise.

Therapeutic Uses of Vasorel

What Vasorel treats: main uses and benefits

Vasorel is commonly used for the symptomatic management of stable angina pectoris, a condition involving symptoms related to physical discomfort (chest pain) triggered by physical activity or emotional tension. The medicine is commonly used to help with the symptomatic management of stable angina and supporting functional stability when symptoms interfere with daily functioning. The medicine may be part of symptomatic management, with the goal of easing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive.


This medicine is generally used as an adjunctive (add-on) treatment in clinical settings where chronic ischemic symptoms, such as recurring chest discomfort, persist or are inadequately controlled by first-line cardiovascular medications. The usage is applied across therapeutic domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, contributing to easing the overall symptom load for patients when symptoms create noticeable physiological strain. The overall therapeutic aim is to offer symptomatic relief that helps patients cope more steadily during difficult episodes.

“The primary goal is supporting patients with recurring chest discomfort to maintain functional stability.”


Quick Fact: Relief for Chronic Angina
Symptom Category: Recurrent physical discomfort
Typical Context: Add-on therapy for persistent symptoms
Main Patient Benefit: Supports coping with symptom fluctuations

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Scope and Contraindications

Official regulatory documents establish strict criteria for the population eligible to use Vasorel (Trimetazidine Dihydrochloride). Use is indicated only in adults as an add-on therapy for the symptomatic treatment of stable angina pectoris.

Classification Population Status
Absolutely Contraindicated Patients with Parkinson's disease, parkinsonian symptoms, tremors, restless leg syndrome, or related movement disorders.
Absolutely Contraindicated Patients with severe renal impairment ( CrCl < 30 mL/min).
Absolutely Contraindicated Patients with known hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients.

Age and Condition-Based Restrictions

Population Group Eligibility Status (Regulatory Wording)
Children and Adolescents (mathbf< 18 years) Not recommended; safety and efficacy have not been established (No data available).
Moderate Renal Impairment (mathbfCrCl 30-60 mL/min) Use requires caution and a dose adjustment (reduction).
Older Adults (mathbf> 75 years) Use requires caution due to increased risk of drug exposure from decreased renal function.

Pregnancy and Lactation Status

  • Pregnancy: The use is preferable to avoid as a precautionary measure due to a lack of sufficient human data. Some regulatory sources list use as contraindicated.
  • Lactation (Breastfeeding): Not recommended during treatment, as a risk to the newborn/infant cannot be excluded.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory labeling for Vasorel (Trimetazidine Dihydrochloride) consistently reports a minimal formal interaction profile with other substances. The information below is based strictly on statements found in government regulatory documents, which often state that no significant interactions have been reported.

Interaction Type Regulatory Finding
Drug–Drug Interactions None documented. Official sources report that no drug interactions have been identified with co-administered medicines.
Metabolic Pathways No documented interactions involving CYP450 enzyme inhibition or induction.
Drug–Food Interactions None. Official labeling notes that the medicine’s pharmacokinetic characteristics are not influenced by meals.

Population-Specific Pharmacokinetic Consideration

While formal drug-drug interactions are absent, regulatory information highlights a key population-specific pharmacokinetic constraint related to clearance. An increased exposure of Trimetazidine Dihydrochloride is expected in elderly patients over 75 years old and in patients with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30–60 mL/ min). This finding is a result of the drug being eliminated primarily through the kidneys, meaning reduced renal function leads to a decrease in the drug's overall clearance. There are no mandatory timing rules that require separating the administration of this medicine from food or any co-administered medications.

Mechanism of Action

Metabolic Re-programming of the Myocardium

Vasorel acts as a metabolic modulator by selectively inhibiting the mitochondrial enzyme long-chain 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase (LC 3-KAT), which is essential for the final step of fatty acid beta-oxidation. By slowing this pathway, the heart muscle shifts its substrate preference to the glucose oxidation (GO) pathway. The favored pathway requires less oxygen per ATP unit, optimizing the ATP yield relative to oxygen consumed, resulting in a higher oxygen extraction ratio during the energy synthesis process.


️ Supporting Intracellular Homeostasis

The sustained production of ATP supports the activity of ion pumps embedded in the cell membrane under conditions of reduced oxygen availability. This stabilizes the intracellular environment, limiting the accumulation of hydrogen ions and sodium ions, which consequently mitigates the secondary, Na^+/ Ca^2+ exchanger-driven influx of calcium ions ( Ca^2+). This mechanism supports the maintenance of cellular integrity and contractile function by sustaining ATP supply and ionic balance.


Hemodynamically Neutral Mechanism

This unique mechanism is confined to cellular metabolism and does not involve interaction with the autonomic nervous system or vascular receptors that control heart rate and blood pressure. Consequently, the resulting physiological consequences include the maintenance of contractile capacity without altering systemic hemodynamics, resulting in a distinct hemodynamically neutral profile.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Vasorel

Vasorel (Trimetazidine Dihydrochloride) is used as an adjunctive treatment. The medicine is strictly for oral administration and is not indicated for the initial management of acute cardiac events like unstable angina or myocardial infarction.


Official Dosing and Frequency

Administration depends on the chosen pharmaceutical form, with all doses required to be taken during meals.

Dosage Form Standard Adult Regimen Total Daily Dose Frequency
35 mg Modified-Release (MR) Tablet 35 mg per dose 70 mg Twice daily
20 mg Immediate-Release (IR) Tablet 20 mg per dose 60 mg Three times daily

Administration Requirements and Adjustments

Modified-release tablets must be swallowed whole with water and must not be crushed or chewed to ensure the controlled release mechanism is maintained. If a dose is missed, the next scheduled dose should be taken at the usual time and the dose must not be doubled to compensate.

For specific populations, dose modifications are required. Individuals with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-60 mL/min) must have their dosage reduced, typically to one 35 mg MR tablet once daily. The medicine is not recommended for use in the pediatric population (under 18 years) or in cases of severe renal impairment. Treatment efficacy is generally assessed after three months, and discontinuation is recommended if no therapeutic benefit is observed.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Vasorel

Evidence for Use in Symptomatic Stable Angina Pectoris

The research on Vasorel (Trimetazidine Dihydrochloride) has primarily focused on its study as an adjunctive treatment, meaning it was studied for use alongside standard heart medications when patients still experienced recurring stable chest discomfort. The core of this evidence comes from short-to-intermediate term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and subsequent systematic reviews and meta-analyses. These trials generally were conducted during periods of increased symptom activity and compared the medicine to a placebo in adults whose symptoms persisted despite other therapies.

The studies research examined two main areas: outcomes related to physical discomfort, and outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level. Specifically, researchers studies explored changes in how often patients reported angina episodes and how frequently they needed to use short-acting relief medications, such as nitrates.

Studies on Functional Capacity and Symptom Reduction

In addition to monitoring patient-reported experiences, research also studies monitored objective measures of heart function. Functional studies included exercise tests designed to track outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance. Researchers data show patterns related to total exercise duration and the time taken for certain changes to appear on an electrocardiogram during controlled physical activity.

Long-Term Data and Follow-up Duration

The majority of the research that supported the medicine’s indication for symptom change involved follow-up durations that were limited, often spanning only 8 to 12 weeks. This means that the research exploring short-term symptom changes is more widely available than long-term use data. There is limited information for long-term outcomes regarding the sustained observation of functional measures, and long-term effects are not fully established in the same detail as the short-term symptom change measures.

Key Gaps and Research Uncertainties

The evidence base, while structured around its primary indication, presents several acknowledged research limitation frames. A key area of research uncertainty is the lack of extensive large-scale research focused on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), such as studies tracking long-term mortality or non-fatal myocardial infarction. The evidence is limited regarding research into long-term effects on these hard clinical outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Vasorel (FAQ)


Q: How is Vasorel thought to work in the body?

Vasorel is understood to function as a calcium channel blocker. This classification suggests that it may interfere with the movement of calcium into certain cells, which could potentially lead to a relaxing effect on blood vessel walls. This action is the subject of ongoing research.


Q: What are the approved uses for Vasorel?

Vasorel is currently approved by regulatory bodies for the management of mild to moderate hypertension (high blood pressure). Its use is intended to be part of a comprehensive treatment plan supervised by a healthcare professional.


Q: Is Vasorel effective for reducing blood pressure?

Clinical studies have observed an association between the use of Vasorel and reductions in blood pressure measurements in certain patient populations. The magnitude of this effect can vary among individuals. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to determine if this medication is appropriate.


Q: What should I know about possible side effects?

Like all medications, Vasorel may be associated with side effects. Common reported events in clinical trials have included headache, dizziness, and mild swelling in the ankles or feet. Patients are encouraged to discuss all potential risks and benefits with their prescribing doctor.

How should Vasorel be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements

Vasorel tablets must be stored according to specific regulatory requirements to maintain product stability and safety.

Storage Requirement Official Condition
Temperature Not exceeding 30 C.
Protection Store in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, and protect from moisture.
Packaging Keep in the original container and ensure the container is tightly closed.
Child Safety Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Storage under these conditions ensures the product remains stable until the expiration date indicated on the packaging. The medicine must not be used after this date.

For disposal, regulatory documents often state there are no special requirements. Unused or expired Vasorel should be discarded according to local governmental regulations for pharmaceutical waste.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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