Sustac 2.6 mg

Sustac 2.6 mg Tablet is a sustained-release cardiovascular medicine containing glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin) 2.6 mg. Manufactured by The Searle Company Limited, it is mainly prescribed as preventive treatment for angina pectoris. Unlike fast-acting nitroglycerin preparations used during an acute angina episode, Sustac releases its active ingredient gradually to provide a longer-lasting effect.

Why is Sustac 2.6 mg Prescribed?

Sustac 2.6 mg is used to reduce the occurrence of angina attacks in people with coronary heart disease. Angina typically causes pressure, tightness or discomfort in the chest when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood.

The manufacturer also indicates Sustac for prophylactic treatment of angina associated with or complicated by a previous myocardial infarction (heart attack).

The 2.6 mg strength provides a lower amount of glyceryl trinitrate than Sustac 6.4 mg. The appropriate strength depends on the patient’s treatment requirements and should be selected by a doctor.

Sustained-Release Action

Glyceryl trinitrate is converted in the body into substances that promote relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. This causes blood vessels to widen.

By reducing the amount of blood returning to the heart, Sustac decreases the workload placed on the heart and lowers myocardial oxygen demand. This can help prevent the imbalance between oxygen supply and demand that contributes to angina.

The sustained-release formulation is designed to provide a more prolonged effect than immediate-release nitrate preparations.

Taking Sustac 2.6 mg

Sustac 2.6 mg should be taken exactly according to the schedule prescribed by the doctor. Treatment plans can differ according to the frequency of angina, other cardiovascular medicines and the patient’s response to nitrate therapy.

Because this is a sustained-release formulation, the tablet should be taken according to the manufacturer’s or prescriber’s administration instructions. Patients should not independently increase the dose or switch to the 6.4 mg strength.

Long-term continuous exposure to nitrates can also lead to nitrate tolerance, in which the medicine becomes less effective. Doctors may therefore design the dosing schedule to provide an appropriate nitrate-free or low-nitrate interval.

Possible Side Effects

The blood-vessel-widening action of Sustac can cause:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Light-headedness
• Facial flushing
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Fainting
• Changes in heart rate

Nitrate-related headache is particularly common when treatment is first started. Patients who develop significant dizziness should avoid suddenly standing up and should discuss persistent symptoms with their doctor.

Important Medicine Interaction

Sustac must not be combined with PDE-5 inhibitors used for erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil. Combining these medicines with nitrates can produce a potentially dangerous fall in blood pressure.

Patients should also tell their doctor about medicines for high blood pressure, heart conditions and other drugs that can lower blood pressure. Alcohol can further increase dizziness and hypotension.

Not for Immediate Relief of a Heart Attack

Sustac 2.6 mg is intended primarily for angina prevention, not as an emergency medicine for sudden severe chest pain.

A person experiencing new or severe chest pain, particularly when accompanied by sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, faintness or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back, should seek urgent medical attention.

Sustac 2.6 mg vs Sustac 6.4 mg

Both strengths contain the same active ingredient and use a sustained-release formulation, but they contain different amounts of glyceryl trinitrate:

Sustac 2.6 mg: Glyceryl trinitrate 2.6 mg
Sustac 6.4 mg: Glyceryl trinitrate 6.4 mg

The two strengths should not be substituted based simply on availability. A doctor should determine the appropriate strength and treatment schedule.Sustac 2.6 mg contains glyceryl trinitrate for prevention of angina attacks. Learn how it works, possible side effects, interactions and precautions.