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Vastarel LM

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Vastarel LM

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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.

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Overview of Vastarel LM

Property Description
Active Ingredient Trimetazidine dihydrochloride
Form Modified-release tablet
Pharmacological Class Anti-ischemic metabolic agent
General Purpose Supports heart energy efficiency
Origin Synthetic piperazine derivative
Prescription Status Prescription-only (Rx)

Vastarel LM is a prescription-only medicine whose core active substance is Trimetazidine (specifically as the dihydrochloride salt), which is taken via the oral route. This medicine belongs to the anti-ischemic metabolic agent class, a unique category that operates by modulating the energy processes of heart cells. It is structurally classified as a synthetic piperazine derivative. This mechanism is described as cytoprotective, meaning it supports and defends the function of cardiac cells against damage caused by reduced oxygen supply (myocardial ischemia).

The Vastarel LM brand is supplied as a modified-release tablet (or extended-release film-coated tablet), indicated by the 'LM' designation, which is designed to ensure a steady, prolonged release of the active ingredient into the body. As a single-ingredient product, it contains only Trimetazidine dihydrochloride, integrated into a specialized pharmaceutical vehicle known as a modified-release matrix. This controlled delivery system is engineered to maintain a stable drug concentration over an extended period. The drug is used for its role in enhancing the efficiency of myocardial metabolism.

The medicine’s general purpose is to support the heart’s function by promoting a metabolic shift within the cell. Trimetazidine helps optimize energy production by favoring the use of glucose oxidation as the cell's fuel source over the less oxygen-efficient fatty acid oxidation pathway. By improving this oxygen-to-energy ratio, the medicine supports cellular health, helping the heart muscle better maintain its function when the local oxygen supply is constrained.

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What side effects are possible with Vastarel LM?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Trimetazidine (Vastarel LM) is officially defined by specific adverse reaction classifications and strict constraints documented in regulatory labeling. Side effects are organized by how frequently they may occur, according to government health authorities.

Common adverse reactions, which may affect up to 1 in 10 people, include dizziness, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, as well as rash and general asthenia (weakness).

Rare effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) primarily involve the cardiovascular system, such as palpitations and symptoms related to a drop in blood pressure, including orthostatic hypotension and associated fainting or falls.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Certain adverse reactions are documented with a frequency of Not known, including serious events related to blood cell counts (e.g., agranulocytosis), severe skin reactions (angioedema), liver inflammation (hepatitis), and extrapyramidal symptoms.

Extrapyramidal symptoms are a major safety consideration, encompassing features like Parkinsonian symptoms, tremor, and gait instability. These movement disorders are generally reversible after treatment discontinuation.

Safety Restrictions for Use:

Trimetazidine is strictly contraindicated in patients with established Parkinson disease, existing Parkinsonian symptoms, or other related movement disorders. It is also contraindicated in individuals with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min). Caution is specifically advised for older adults and those with moderate renal impairment, and use is not recommended for children and adolescents.

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Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose: Official Regulatory Information for Vastarel LM (Trimetazidine)

Official government regulatory documents consistently note that very limited information is available concerning the effects of trimetazidine taken in large doses (overdose). Because of this limited data, any suspected or confirmed overdose must be viewed as a medical emergency.

Documented Overdose Management

Management Area Official Statement from Regulatory Labels
Documented Manifestations Very limited information is available on acute overdose.
Immediate Action Treatment should be symptomatic.
Antidote Availability No specific antidote is listed or recommended.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Help

Urgent medical attention must be sought immediately following any known or suspected overdose of Vastarel LM. The requirement for immediate medical consultation is based on the official instruction that treatment must be symptomatic. This means professional medical care is necessary to assess any resulting physiological effects, such as a drop in blood pressure or changes in heart rate, and to initiate supportive measures to control these symptoms.

There are no specific population-based risk factors for overdose (e.g., in the elderly or those with kidney impairment) explicitly defined in the official overdose sections. All care is focused on immediate symptomatic support.

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Therapeutic Uses of Vastarel LM

Vastarel LM is generally applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required in the context of stable coronary artery disease. The medicine is indicated for use in areas where short-term symptom management is appropriate for chronic stable angina pectoris.

The medicine is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed in contexts marked by increased discomfort, often when symptoms become more disruptive during flare-ups. It plays a role in managing recurrent episodes of chest discomfort and assists with maintaining functional stability during daily activities.

“It supports the patient’s ability to cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations during physical activity.”

It is considered relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden and symptoms related to systemic imbalance, such as in patients with stable angina and concomitant diabetes mellitus. The medicine may assist with managing symptoms that interfere with daily functioning by contributing to improved day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods.

Quick Fact: Symptomatic Support for Recurrent Discomfort

Regulatory References

  1. European Medicines Agency (EMA) therapeutic restriction
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Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Vastarel LM? — Official Regulatory Information

Vastarel LM (trimetazidine) is only indicated for use in adults as an add-on therapy. Official regulatory documents define specific populations and conditions for whom its use is contraindicated or not recommended.


Contraindicated Populations and Conditions

Use of Vastarel LM is strictly prohibited for patients with:

  • Hypersensitivity (allergy) to the active substance (trimetazidine) or any excipients.
  • Parkinson disease, parkinsonian symptoms, tremors, restless leg syndrome, and other related movement disorders.
  • Severe renal impairment (kidney function) defined as creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min.

Use Not Recommended or Requires Special Consideration

Population/Condition Eligibility Status Special Rule/Note
Pediatric Population (under 18) Not Recommended Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Pregnancy Avoid (Precautionary) Preferable to avoid due to lack of adequate data.
Lactation (Breastfeeding) Should Not Be Used Risk to the infant cannot be excluded.
Moderate Renal Impairment Restricted/Caution Requires a dose reduction.
Elderly Patients (over 75 years) Restricted/Caution Caution is advised; may require dose adjustment.
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What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official regulatory profile for Trimetazidine is primarily characterized by a documented absence of general drug-drug interactions in clinical studies. Governmental product information consistently states that no clinically significant interactions have been identified with the majority of co-administered medicinal products.


Formal Restrictions

Co-administration of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) is formally restricted and not recommended by regulatory bodies. This restriction is mandated because non-interaction with this specific medicine class has not been definitively confirmed or established in supporting regulatory documentation.


Exposure and Population Considerations

While no specific CYP enzyme or transporter interactions are listed, a critical pharmacokinetic (PK) caution exists related to clearance. Trimetazidine is eliminated predominantly via the kidneys. As a result, individuals with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30–60 mL/min) exhibit a documented increase in systemic exposure (higher plasma concentrations). This finding is also relevant for elderly patients over 75 years of age, who may experience similar increased exposure due to the common physiological age-related decline in renal function.


Food and Substance Findings

Regulatory studies have formally determined that no interactions with foodstuffs have been found, confirming that meal consumption does not significantly alter the absorption or exposure of Trimetazidine. Official labeling does not contain explicit findings or warnings regarding interactions with alcohol, specific herbal products, or dietary supplements.

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Mechanism of Action

Shifting the Myocardial Energy Source

The mechanism of Trimetazidine (Vastarel LM) is centered on metabolic modulation within heart muscle cells. It functions by selectively inhibiting the enzyme Long-Chain 3-Ketoacyl Coenzyme A Thiolase ( LC 3-KAT), a crucial step in the cell’s breakdown of fatty acids for energy (fatty acid beta-oxidation). This action forces the cell to rely more heavily on glucose oxidation, a fundamentally more oxygen-efficient method of generating cellular energy ( ATP). This metabolic shift leads to an increase in myocardial oxygen efficiency, requiring less O2 per ATP molecule produced.


️ Intracellular Stabilization (Cytoprotection)

The mechanism assists in maintaining intracellular homeostasis. By altering the fatty acid pathway, the drug prevents the accumulation of toxic ions and protons that typically occur during oxygen deprivation. This stabilizes the activity of key ion pumps (e.g., Na^+/ Ca^2+ antiport) and prevents calcium overload and acidosis. This action is cytoprotective, preserving the structural and contractile function of the heart cell during periods of reduced oxygen supply without altering blood flow or heart rhythm.

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Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Vastarel LM (Trimetazidine 35 mg Modified-Release)

Vastarel LM is a modified-release formulation of trimetazidine. Clinical administration typically involves specific methods and dosing adjustments.

Standard Dosing and Administration

The route of administration for Vastarel LM is oral. The tablet should be swallowed whole; it must not be crushed, chewed, or divided. The timing of administration is a key component of the established regimen:

  • Adult Dose: One 35 mg tablet.
  • Frequency: Twice daily (b.i.d.).
  • Timing: The tablet is taken during meals (one dose in the morning and one dose in the evening).

Population-Specific Dose Adjustments

Dosing is adjusted according to the patient's renal function to prevent drug accumulation.

Patient Population Recommended Dose Frequency
Standard Adults 35 mg Twice Daily
Moderate Renal Impairment (Clcr 30-60 mL/min) 35 mg Once Daily
Severe Renal Impairment (Clcr < 30 mL/min) Contraindicated N/A

Elderly Patients (Over 75): Dosage is reviewed, and the dose for moderate renal impairment (35 mg once daily) may apply, depending on kidney function. The use in the paediatric population (under 18 years) is not recommended.

Procedural Instructions

If a dose of Vastarel LM is missed, the patient should not take a double dose to compensate. Treatment resumes at the next scheduled time. The continuation of this treatment is assessed by a physician after three months, and the medicine is discontinued if no benefit is observed.

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Recent Clinical Evidence

Vastarel LM: Recent Clinical Evidence

Evidence for Use in Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris

Research was studied for its use as an add-on therapy in individuals with chronic stable angina, specifically when symptoms persist despite receiving standard therapies. These investigations primarily consisted of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews. Studies monitored several outcomes related to physical discomfort and daily functioning, including the weekly frequency of angina attacks and short-acting relief medication use. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies where trials reported measurements related to a reduced frequency of angina attacks and a delay in the onset of anginal pain during exercise tests, when compared to placebo.

Evidence in Special Patient Groups and Comorbidities

Research was evaluated in special patient populations to determine if similar patterns was associated with specific health conditions. For example, studies explored outcomes in patients with stable angina who also have concomitant diabetes mellitus. Findings indicate that short-term changes in exercise performance may be observed in these specific cohorts. However, sample sizes were modest in some of these specialized investigations, meaning results apply only to the populations studied.

Long-Term Studies and Follow-Up Data

Studies was studied for various durations, with many trials focusing on short-term symptomatic changes. Other, larger trials research examined long-term clinical events over periods of up to four years to monitor outcomes like major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality. In large patient cohorts receiving aggressive standard treatments, studies reported measurements that indicated no significant difference in the combined major event rate between the Trimetazidine group and the placebo group over the long follow-up period.

What Remains Unclear About the Research Evidence

The available evidence base has several recognized limitations. Follow-up durations were limited for many trials focused on symptomatic relief. While multiple trials research describes patterns related to changes in angina frequency and exercise capacity measurements, there is limited information for long-term outcomes regarding major adverse cardiovascular events or mortality across all patient groups. Data for certain groups remain insufficient to draw broad conclusions, and data are still emerging on comparisons with all other potential therapeutic options.

Key Studies & References

  1. Trimetazidine - Drug Information (Pharmacology and General Use)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Vastarel LM (FAQ)

Q: How quickly should I expect to feel the benefits of Vastarel LM?

A: Vastarel LM is a modified-release formulation, which provides a controlled delivery of the drug over time. Steady-state concentration is typically reached after approximately 60 hours in the plasma. However, the decision to continue treatment is based on a physician’s assessment after three months.

Q: What's the difference between Vastarel LM and the regular Vastarel formulation?

A: Vastarel LM stands for Modified-Release, which is a specialized tablet that provides a controlled, prolonged delivery of the active substance over time. This differs from immediate-release versions, which are typically dosed more frequently.

Q: Are there any vitamins or supplements that I should avoid while on Vastarel LM?

A: Official regulatory labeling indicates that no clinically significant interactions have been identified with the majority of other medicines administered alongside Vastarel LM. Furthermore, no explicit findings or warnings have been reported regarding specific dietary supplements or vitamins.

Q: Is Vastarel LM a drug that I will need to take for the rest of my life?

A: The decision to continue treatment is a medical decision. According to regulatory documents, the continuation of this treatment must be formally assessed by a physician after three months. The medicine is typically discontinued if no benefit is observed after that assessment.

Q: Can Vastarel LM cause changes in my blood sugar levels?

A: The official product information does not list changes in blood sugar as a common or rare side effect. The drug works by modulating heart cell metabolism by promoting the use of glucose for energy over fatty acids.

Q: Are there any specific foods that interact badly with Vastarel LM?

A: Regulatory studies have formally determined that no interactions with foodstuffs have been found. This confirms that consuming meals does not significantly alter how the drug is absorbed.

Q: Has Vastarel LM been studied for use in treating tinnitus?

A: The drug was previously indicated in some regions for the symptomatic treatment of conditions like tinnitus and vertigo. However, following a regulatory review, the current official indication is only for the symptomatic treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris.

Q: Does Vastarel LM affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

A: Common side effects, such as dizziness and headache, may affect your ability to drive or safely use machinery. Due to these effects, caution is advised, especially at the start of treatment, as they may impair driving ability.

Q: What is the risk of having a serious allergic reaction to Vastarel LM?

A: A known hypersensitivity (allergy) to the active substance or any other component is a strict contraindication for use. Severe skin reactions like angioedema have also been reported, though their frequency is listed as 'Not known' in official documents.

Q: How long does Vastarel LM stay in your system after you stop taking it?

A: The average elimination half-life is approximately 7 hours in adults. This half-life can be longer, around 12 hours, for elderly patients due to common age-related changes in kidney function.

Q: Does Vastarel LM interact with common antidepressant medications?

A: Most co-administered medicines have shown no clinically significant interactions with Vastarel LM. However, a specific class of drugs, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), is formally restricted and not recommended for use alongside it.

Q: Is Vastarel LM used for conditions other than heart problems?

A: According to the official product information, Vastarel LM is indicated only as an add-on therapy for the symptomatic treatment of patients with chronic stable angina pectoris (chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart).

Q: Does taking Vastarel LM make you gain or lose weight?

A: Changes in body weight (either gain or loss) are not listed in the official regulatory profile as a common, uncommon, or rare side effect of Vastarel LM.

Q: What should I do if the side effects of Vastarel LM don't go away?

A: Any persistent, bothersome, or severe adverse reaction should be brought to the attention of a physician. If serious effects, such as movement disorders (extrapyramidal symptoms), occur, these events should lead to the definitive withdrawal of the medicine according to safety constraints.

Q: Is there any research that suggests Vastarel LM helps with heart failure?

A: The official regulatory indications for Vastarel LM are restricted to the symptomatic treatment of stable angina pectoris. The official labeling does not include the treatment of heart failure.

Q: Can Vastarel LM cause feelings of anxiety or nervousness?

A: Feelings of anxiety or nervousness are not listed as a common or rare side effect in the official product information. However, sleep disorders have been reported with a frequency of 'Not known'.

Q: Does Vastarel LM interact with aspirin or common pain relievers?

A: Official regulatory documents state a general absence of clinically significant drug-drug interactions with the majority of co-administered medicines, meaning no specific adverse interaction with common pain relievers or aspirin has been identified.

Q: Can taking Vastarel LM affect my sleep or cause insomnia?

A: Official regulatory documents list 'sleep disorders', which can include insomnia (difficulty sleeping) or drowsiness, with a frequency of 'Not known'. These effects are not reported as common.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose of Vastarel LM?

A: The rule is that if a dose is missed, a double dose should not be taken to compensate. Treatment should simply resume by taking the next scheduled dose at the usual time.

Q: Do I need to take Vastarel LM with food, or can I take it on an empty stomach?

A: The official regimen specifies that the tablet should be taken during meals. This administration condition is crucial to the established regimen for the modified-release formulation.

Q: Can taking alcohol affect how Vastarel LM works?

A: Official labeling does not contain explicit findings or warnings regarding interactions with alcohol. However, caution is generally advised when combining prescribed medication with alcohol.

Q: What kind of lifestyle changes are recommended alongside taking Vastarel LM?

A: Vastarel LM is indicated as an add-on therapy to standard treatment for chronic stable angina. The overall medical management of the condition usually involves lifestyle changes, but these are determined by a physician.

Q: Are there any common skin reactions associated with Vastarel LM?

A: Official documents list rash as a common adverse reaction, which may affect up to 1 in 10 people. If any skin reaction is persistent or causes concern, consult a healthcare professional.

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How should Vastarel LM be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Vastarel LM

The storage and disposal of Vastarel LM (Trimetazidine dihydrochloride 35 mg modified-release tablets) must comply strictly with regulatory guidelines to maintain product integrity and ensure public safety.

Official Storage Conditions

  • Temperature Constraint: The medicine must be stored at temperatures not exceeding 30,mathrmC.
  • Child Protection: It is mandatory to keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Stability: The tablets must not be used after the expiry date printed on the carton and blister packaging.

Official Disposal Rules

  • Prohibited Disposal: Medicines should not be thrown away via wastewater or household waste.
  • Required Procedure: Unused or expired product must be disposed of in accordance with local pharmaceutical waste regulations.

The official label mandates keeping the product out of excessive heat and away from children, and specifies that disposal must be handled by a pharmacist or through designated collection methods.

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

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