Cardiwell: Full Drug Profile

Cardiwell - General Information

A vasodilator with general properties similar to nitroglycerin. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1020)

Pharmacology of Cardiwell

Cardiwell is a vasodilator with general properties similar to nitroglycerin.

Additional information about Cardiwell

Cardiwell Indication

For the prevention of angina.

Mechanism Of Action

Similar to other nitrites and organic nitrates, erythrityl tetranitrate is converted to an active intermediate compound which activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase. This stimulates the synthesis of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) which then activates a series of protein kinase-dependent phosphorylations in the smooth muscle cells, eventually resulting in the dephosphorylation of the myosin light chain of the smooth muscle fiber. The subsequent release of calcium ions results in the relaxation of the smooth muscle cells and vasodilation.

Food Interactions

Avoid alcohol.

Generic Name

Erythrityl Tetranitrate

Synonyms

1,2,3,4-Butanetetralyl tetranitrate; ETN; Eritritile tetranitrato [dcit]; Eritrityl tetranitrate; Eritrityli tetranitras [inn-latin]; Erythritol tetranitrate; Erythrol tetranitrate; Meso-erythritol tetranitrate; Nitroerythrit; Nitroerythrite; Nitroerythrol; Tetranitrate d'eritrityle [inn-french]; Tetranitrato de eritritilo [inn-spanish]

Drug Category

Vasodilator Agents; Nitrates and Nitrites

Drug Type

Small Molecule; Approved

Other Brand Names containing Erythrityl Tetranitrate

Tetranitrin; Tetranitrol; Cardilate; Cardiloid; Cardivell; Cardiwell;

Toxicity (Overdose)

Symptoms of overdose include increased intracranial pressure, with any or all of persistent throbbing headache, confusion, and moderate fever; Vertigo; Palpitations; Visual disturbances; Nausea and vomiting (possibly with colic and even bloody diarrhea); Syncope (especially in the upright posture); Air hunger and dyspnea, later followed by reduced ventilatory effort; Diaphoresis, with the skin either flushed or cold and clammy; Heart block and bradycardia; Paralysis; Coma; Seizures; Death.

Chemical IUPAC Name

1,3,4-trinitrooxybutan-2-yl nitrate

Chemical Formula

C4H6N4O12

Organisms Affected

Humans and other mammals