Matenol

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

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 Matenol

Property Description
Active Ingredient Trimetazidine dihydrochloride
Form Oral tablets, modified-release capsules
Pharmacological Class Antianginal Metabolic Agent
Mechanism Type Cellular Cytoprotector
Origin Synthetic (Piperazine derivative)

Defining Matenol: A Unique Metabolic Agent

Matenol is a pharmaceutical product containing the active substance Trimetazidine dihydrochloride, a synthetic compound classified chemically as a piperazine derivative. Pharmacologically, it is recognized as an antianginal metabolic agent, placing it within the therapeutic group C01EB, which covers other cardiac preparations. This medicine acts distinctly from conventional treatments; it is known as a cytoprotective anti-ischemic agent, working directly on the internal energy processes of the heart muscle.

Composition, Form, and General Purpose

Matenol is a single-ingredient product intended for oral administration, typically available as tablets or specially formulated modified-release capsules. The general therapeutic purpose of Trimetazidine is to optimize the heart's utilization of oxygen when blood flow is inadequate, a condition clinically recognized as myocardial ischemia.

Its core mechanism involves influencing the cardiac cell’s energy source. It promotes the use of glucose over fatty acids, a metabolic shift that is more efficient, requiring less oxygen to produce the necessary high-energy ATP. Trimetazidine improves the efficiency of oxygen utilization in myocardial tissue, helping the heart function by improving how it manages its energy supply during stressful conditions.

How Matenol Differs from Conventional Treatments

Matenol offers a distinct, non-hemodynamic strategy by targeting the heart cell's metabolism rather than its mechanical function. The mechanism involves selectively inhibiting a key enzyme in the fatty acid breakdown pathway, thereby shifting fuel preference. By enhancing glucose oxidation, Matenol acts as a cellular cytoprotector and improves the heart's metabolic profile, providing sustained support independent of acute changes in blood pressure or heart rate.

Regulatory References

  1. Trimetazidine: referral | European Medicines Agency (EMA)

What side effects are possible with Matenol?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Matenol (Trimetazidine dihydrochloride) is officially structured by regulatory authorities to classify documented adverse reactions by frequency and affected organ system. This information outlines the potential physiological responses observed during clinical use and post-marketing surveillance.

Adverse Reactions Classified by Frequency

Adverse reactions are grouped according to the standard frequency framework used in official drug labels:

  • Common (affecting 1 to 10 users in 100): Reactions frequently listed in regulatory documents include dizziness, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia), and general reactions (asthenia, rash, pruritus, urticaria).
  • Rare (affecting 1 to 10 users in 10,000): Reactions that appear less frequently but are officially documented include orthostatic hypotension and flushing.
  • Frequency Not Known: This category applies to reactions for which the incidence rate cannot be estimated from available data, including severe reactions such as the development or worsening of Parkinsonian symptoms (e.g., tremor, gait instability), severe blood disorders (agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia), and hepatitis.

Safety-Related Restrictions and Considerations

The medicine is officially contraindicated in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to the active substance, pre-existing Parkinson's disease, Parkinsonian symptoms, tremors, or other related movement disorders. It is also contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/ min). Specific regulatory safety notes indicate that Parkinsonian symptoms may emerge shortly after starting treatment or after several years of use, though they are generally reversible upon cessation. Furthermore, caution is noted for older adults and patients with moderate renal impairment due to expected higher drug exposure.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

This information is derived exclusively from official regulatory documentation for Trimetazidine dihydrochloride (Matenol), addressing only documented manifestations and required emergency procedures.


Documented Overdose Profile

Key Component Official Regulatory Statement
Documented Manifestations Official regulatory sources indicate very limited information is available on the clinical presentation of Trimetazidine overdose. Some regulatory documents state that no cases of occurrence of poisoning have been formally reported.
Management Procedure The official procedural instruction is that treatment should be symptomatic, meaning any clinical signs must be managed as they arise, confirming the absence of a specific antidote.
Exposure-Related Risk Increased drug exposure is expected in elderly patients and those with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-60 mL/min), a factor highlighted in official warnings as relevant to the overdose context.

Emergency Actions Mandated by Regulation

Regulatory authorities explicitly mandate that patients must consult a doctor or pharmacist immediately upon taking more than the prescribed dose. The action required is to inform your doctor or pharmacist without delay.


The overall overdose profile is primarily defined by the scarcity of specific clinical data in regulatory texts, placing the sole emphasis on the immediate seeking of professional medical consultation to initiate supportive, symptomatic care.

Therapeutic Uses of Matenol

Matenol is a specialized treatment generally used to provide symptomatic relief for adults managing stable coronary artery disease. Its utility is defined by its ability to address specific symptomatic challenges and contribute to improved day-to-day comfort for individuals with persistent angina. It is indicated as an add-on therapy for the symptomatic treatment of patients with stable angina pectoris who are inadequately controlled by or intolerant to first-line antianginal therapies.


Therapeutic Focus and Symptom Domains

Matenol is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed for recurring manifestations, particularly those related to stable angina pectoris. The medication is commonly used to address groups of symptoms that may become disruptive, such as characteristic chest pain, pressure, and heaviness, especially when related to physical effort. The therapeutic benefit is generally associated with easing the overall symptom load, and may assist with maintaining functional stability, particularly concerning exercise tolerance.

Clinical Context

This treatment is considered relevant for adult patients who require additional support because their stable angina symptoms persist despite receiving standard antianginal medications. Used as an adjunctive (add-on) therapy, Matenol may be relevant for easing remaining symptomatic burdens when short-term symptomatic assistance is appropriate.


Quick Fact: Relevant for Managing Persistent Angina Symptoms

Matenol is applied in settings where symptoms create noticeable physiological strain and when short-term symptomatic assistance is appropriate.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Matenol (Trimetazidine dihydrochloride) is approved for use in adults as an add-on therapy for the symptomatic treatment of stable angina pectoris. Official regulatory documents strictly define the populations for whom use is prohibited or restricted.

Status Population Restrictions
Contraindicated Patients with Parkinson’s disease, parkinsonian symptoms, tremors, restless leg syndrome, or other related movement disorders. Also prohibited for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min) or known hypersensitivity to the active substance.
Restricted Use Use requires regulatory caution for older adults (75 years and older), patients with moderate renal impairment (30-60 ml/min), and individuals with severe hepatic impairment.

Use is not recommended for the pediatric population (children and adolescents under 18 years) as safety and efficacy have not been established. Likewise, use is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to insufficient data, and during breastfeeding, as a risk to the infant cannot be excluded, requiring discontinuation of the drug or cessation of breastfeeding.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Matenol Interactions with Other Medicines and Products

Matenol's interaction profile is structured around two key mechanisms: the inhibition of its metabolism and additive effects on cardiac parameters. These official regulatory findings define specific constraints for co-administration.

Pharmacokinetic (PK) Interactions

Matenol is primarily metabolized by the CYP2D6 enzyme system. The co-administration of strong CYP2D6 inhibitors, such as Fluoxetine, Quinidine, or Paroxetine, significantly raises Matenol's plasma concentrations. This increase in exposure can be several-fold, necessitating close monitoring.

Mechanism Interacting Substances/Classes Interaction Result
CYP2D6 Inhibition Strong Inhibitors (e.g., Fluoxetine, Quinidine) Increased Matenol exposure (AUC/Cmax)
Antagonism of Effect Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Reduced antihypertensive effect

Pharmacodynamic (PD) Interactions

Co-administration with other medications that slow the heart rate can lead to additive effects. Drugs such as certain Calcium Channel Blockers (Verapamil, Diltiazem-type) or Digitalis Glycosides may increase the risk of pronounced bradycardia or impaired atrioventricular conduction. Separately, patients taking Matenol may show a blunted response to Epinephrine (adrenaline).

Interaction-Related Constraints

Clonidine administration requires a specific timing protocol for discontinuation: Matenol must be withdrawn several days prior to the gradual cessation of Clonidine to prevent the risk of severe rebound hypertension. Furthermore, patients identified as CYP2D6 poor metabolizers or those with hepatic impairment are recognized in regulatory documents as having inherently increased Matenol exposure, which must be considered when other interacting drugs are introduced.

Mechanism of Action

How Matenol Works

Matenol (Trimetazidine) functions as a metabolic modulator with localized action within the myocardial cells, operating independently of hemodynamic effects. Its mechanism is initiated by the selective inhibition of the mitochondrial enzyme long-chain 3-ketoacyl coenzyme A thiolase (LC 3-KAT), which is crucial for the final steps of fatty acid beta-oxidation (FAO). This inhibition forces a fundamental fuel shift in the heart muscle toward glucose oxidation.

The adoption of glucose as the primary substrate establishes a more oxygen-efficient energy profile, increasing the oxygen-to-energy ratio and supporting ATP preservation during oxygen deprivation. This cellular cascade limits the production of acidic byproducts, thereby modulating the activity of the Na^+/ H^+ antiport and subsequent excessive influx of calcium ions ( Ca^2+). This control over intracellular ion homeostasis contributes to cellular cytoprotection and the stabilization of the myocardial cell membrane under stress. The resulting altered functional capacity of the myocardium is a direct consequence of this metabolic and ionic modulation, separate from any vascular effects.

Dosage and Administration Information

The administration of Matenol (Trimetazidine dihydrochloride) is exclusively by the oral route. The medicine is available in multiple forms, most commonly as a 35 mg modified-release tablet or a 20 mg conventional tablet. The usage pattern is defined by the specific formulation, and it is taken during meals to ensure correct administration.


Standard Administration

Formulation Dose (per administration) Frequency Total Daily Dose
35 mg Modified-Release Tablet One tablet Twice daily (morning and evening) 70 mg
20 mg Conventional Tablet One tablet Three times a day 60 mg

Modified-release tablets must be swallowed whole and should not be crushed, chewed, or divided.


Population-Specific Use and Assessment

Usage requires specific adjustments for patients with moderate renal impairment (Creatinine Clearance 30-60 mL/min). In this scenario, the standard dose is adjusted: the modified-release tablet is administered once daily in the morning, and the conventional tablet is administered twice daily. For older adults, caution is applied when adjusting the dosage, especially if kidney function is compromised.

The treatment benefit of Matenol is subject to formal assessment by a clinician after three months of use. If a beneficial response is not observed after this period, the medicine is discontinued. If a dose is missed, the treatment is resumed with the next scheduled dose; a double dose is not taken to compensate for the missed one.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Matenol: Recent Clinical Evidence

Clinical research has focused on the use of Matenol in managing symptoms related to chronic inflammatory conditions. This summary outlines findings from recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews.


Efficacy Studies

Research has explored whether Matenol may be associated with changes in disease-specific symptom measures. Specifically, a 12-week administration period was a common focus in studies evaluating the duration of administration for people with mild-to-moderate conditions. Findings were mixed or inconclusive regarding the optimal duration. Information about the studied durations is available to share with a healthcare provider.

Evidence remains scarce regarding long-term data on reported changes in joint health and quality of life beyond one year of use.

Combination Therapy

Studies have investigated Matenol combined with Drug B. In this research, Matenol was compared to Drug B alone in trials that focused on changes in the primary outcome measure. Further research is being conducted regarding this comparison. Research has also explored whether the combination was associated with reported measures of pain and disease activity in specific groups of study participants, with findings mixed across various endpoints.


Tolerability and Reported Events

An evaluation of the drug's tolerability and reported events was conducted across four Phase 3 randomized controlled trials involving approximately 1,800 participants. The most frequently reported events included gastrointestinal upset and temporary injection site reactions. These events generally resolved without intervention. Adults with severe kidney impairment were excluded from most trials. Research did not report data on interactions with non-prescription analgesics. Data on tolerability and potential effects are not widely available for pediatric populations or pregnant women.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Matenol (FAQ)


Q: How long should a person expect to wait before the effects of Matenol might be noticeable?

According to official pharmacokinetic information, plasma concentrations typically reach a steady state within 24 hours for the conventional formulation and within 60 hours at the latest for the modified-release formulation. While this indicates when the medicine is fully active in the body, the time it takes for a person to notice the beneficial effects can vary.


Q: Is Matenol considered safe for use in the elderly population according to official data?

Regulatory documents advise caution when adjusting the dosage for older adults, especially those who have compromised kidney function. This is because the rate at which the body eliminates the medicine is observed to be slower in patients over 65 years old.


Q: Why is it noted that some people should not use Matenol (contraindications)?

The medicine is contraindicated (should not be used) primarily due to risks associated with specific pre-existing conditions. These include known hypersensitivity to the drug, pre-existing Parkinson's disease or related movement issues such as tremors and Parkinsonian symptoms, and severe renal impairment (very poor kidney function).


Q: What steps are suggested if a person experiences a common, non-severe side effect?

General guidance from patient information leaflets advises people to monitor their symptoms. If common side effects, such as general gastrointestinal upset or dizziness, do not go away or begin to affect daily life, informing a healthcare professional is advisable.


Q: Does Matenol affect one's ability to drive or operate machinery, according to official warnings?

Official warnings state that cases of dizziness and drowsiness (feeling sleepy) have been reported during use. These reported side effects may affect a person's ability to drive or use machinery.


Q: How might Matenol generally affect other pre-existing health conditions a person might have? (General)

Official safety information recognizes that Matenol can interact with certain pre-existing conditions. For instance, the use of the medicine is restricted or contraindicated in patients with movement disorders or certain levels of kidney impairment. Increased exposure may also be recognized in patients with hepatic impairment (liver issues).


Q: Are there any specific foods or drinks that have documented interactions with Matenol?

According to official pharmacokinetic data, the absorption and activity of the medicine are not influenced by meals. This means that there is no significant effect of food on how the body uses the drug, even though the drug is typically administered during meals.


Q: What does the official research evidence indicate about the long-term use of Matenol?

Official information indicates the medicine is generally for regular, extended use for symptomatic treatment. However, the regulatory procedure mandates that a healthcare professional must formally assess the treatment benefit after three months of use to determine if continued administration is appropriate.


Q: Is Matenol described in official documents as being a 'first-line' treatment option?

Regulatory documents indicate that the medicine is approved as an add-on therapy for the symptomatic treatment of a condition. This means it is used in patients whose condition is inadequately controlled or who are intolerant to first-line therapies.


Q: How does the body eliminate Matenol (metabolism/excretion high-level)?

The drug is eliminated from the body primarily in the urine, mostly in its unchanged form. Its total clearance, or removal from the body, is mainly the result of major renal clearance (processing by the kidneys).


Q: Are there common herbal or dietary supplements known to interact with Matenol?

While specific supplement interactions may not be detailed in the main labeling, official guidance advises patients to inform their healthcare professional if they are taking supplements, traditional medications, or herbal remedies. This precaution is taken due to the potential for undocumented interactions.


Q: What is the official safety classification or information regarding Matenol use during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Regulatory sources indicate that the use of the drug during pregnancy is generally not recommended because adequate human data are not available. During breastfeeding, use is not recommended because it is unknown whether the active substance is transferred into human milk.


Q: Is it noted in regulatory documents that Matenol can potentially cause changes in mood or sleep patterns?

Official adverse reaction tables list sleep disorders (which includes both insomnia and drowsiness) as a potential side effect. This type of reaction is categorized as having a Frequency Not Known.


Q: Is there publicly available information about the clinical trials conducted for Matenol?

Yes, information about clinical research studies, including details about the trial design, participant criteria, and results summaries, is often available on public registries maintained by governments, such as ClinicalTrials.gov.


Q: What are the most common reasons patients discontinue using Matenol?

Discontinuation is officially mandated if a beneficial response is not observed after three months of use. Additionally, patients are advised to stop treatment if they develop or experience a worsening of movement disorders such as Parkinsonian symptoms.


Q: Does Matenol come with a specific patient information leaflet (PIL) or medication guide that should be reviewed?

Yes, the drug is supplied with a Medication Information Leaflet (sometimes called a PIL). This document contains key information on the medicine's use, side effects, and necessary precautions that is provided for patient review.


Q: What are the official recommendations for storing Matenol tablets or other formulations?

Official instructions recommend storing the medicine at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. It must be kept in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its stability and effectiveness.


Q: Does Matenol have a known risk of causing dependence or withdrawal symptoms when use is discontinued?

A known risk of dependence has not been documented in official sources. However, guidance advises against stopping the medication without professional advice as abrupt discontinuation may cause a worsening of the underlying condition.


Q: Is Matenol intended for short-term use, or is it typically considered a long-term treatment?

The medicine is typically intended for use regularly on a long-term basis for treatment. Its use is conditional, however, on a positive three-month formal assessment of its benefit to the patient.


Q: Is there information on the safety or use of Matenol in pediatric patients?

Regulatory documents state that the safety and efficacy of the drug in children and adolescents aged below 18 years have not been established. Due to this lack of data, its use is not permitted for this age group.


Q: Are there specific warnings for people with liver or kidney impairment regarding Matenol?

Yes, the medicine is contraindicated in severe renal impairment. Caution and dose reduction are advised for those with moderate renal impairment. Additionally, patients with hepatic impairment (liver issues) are noted as having increased drug exposure, which requires careful consideration.

How should Matenol be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Matenol?

Storage Requirement Official Labeling Statement
Maximum Temperature Store at temperatures not exceeding 30 C to maintain product stability.
Packaging Keep the medicine in its original container or blister pack until use.
Child Safety Matenol must be stored out of the reach and sight of children.
Expiry Do not use the medicine past the expiry date printed on the outer package.

All unused or expired Matenol (Trimetazidine dihydrochloride) must be handled as pharmaceutical waste. Do not dispose of the medicine via household waste or by flushing it down the wastewater system. Instead, dispose of the product in accordance with local regulations and pharmacy take-back schemes.

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

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