Gantra 2.5mg

GANTRA 2.5mg Tablet

GANTRA 2.5mg is a medication manufactured by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd., indicated for the management of chronic heart failure.

• Name

  • Brand Name: GANTRA 2.5mg
  • Common Name: Vericiguat

• Composition

  • Each film-coated tablet contains 2.5 mg of micronized Vericiguat. Vericiguat is classified as a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator.

• Uses GANTRA 2.5mg is prescribed for adults with symptomatic chronic heart failure who have a reduced ejection fraction (less than 45%). It is particularly used in patients who have recently experienced worsening heart failure events, such as hospitalization or the need for intravenous (IV) diuretics. The medication works to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure-related hospitalizations by relaxing blood vessels, improving blood flow, and decreasing the workload on the heart.

• Dosage and Administration

  • The recommended starting dose is 2.5 mg orally once daily, taken with food.
  • The dose may be gradually increased approximately every two weeks, potentially doubling, up to a target maintenance dose of 10 mg once daily, as tolerated by the patient.
  • Tablets should be swallowed whole with water.
  • For patients unable to swallow whole tablets, GANTRA 2.5mg may be crushed and mixed with water immediately prior to administration. The mixture should be taken at once. Do not chew the tablet.

• Side Effects

  • Common Side Effects: Low blood pressure (hypotension), dizziness, headache, anemia (low number of red blood cells leading to pale skin, weakness, or breathlessness), nausea, vomiting, indigestion, heartburn, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
  • Serious Side Effects: Severe allergic reactions (manifesting as rash, itching, or swelling) and unusual bleeding or bruising.

• Precautions

  • Pregnancy: GANTRA 2.5mg is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the potential for fetal harm. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one month after the last dose. A pregnancy test is required before initiating therapy.
  • Breastfeeding: It is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it is unknown if Vericiguat passes into breast milk and could harm the baby.
  • Liver/Kidney Impairment: Use with caution in patients with severe liver failure, severe kidney disease, or those undergoing dialysis. Regular monitoring of kidney function is advised.
  • Hypotension: Patients should be monitored for low blood pressure, especially during the initiation and dose titration phases. Patients should be advised to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.
  • Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of GANTRA 2.5mg in children and adolescents under 18 years of age have not been established.
  • Drug Interactions: Concomitant use with nitrates or phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil) is contraindicated due to the risk of severe hypotension. Patients should inform their doctor about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
  • Alcohol: There are no known specific interactions with alcohol, but it should be avoided if it exacerbates hypotensive effects.
  • Driving and Operating Machinery: Due to the potential for dizziness or low blood pressure, patients should avoid driving or operating machinery if they experience these side effects.

• Storage Store GANTRA 2.5mg tablets in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, typically at room temperature (between 10°C and 25°C or below 30°C). Keep the medicine out of the reach and sight of children and protect it from light and moisture.

What is GANTRA 2.5MG used for?

GANTRA 2.5MG is used to manage adults with long-term (chronic) heart failure who have a reduced ejection fraction (less than 45%). It is prescribed for patients who have recently been hospitalized due to heart failure or required intravenous (IV) medicines to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure-related hospitalizations.

How does GANTRA 2.5MG work?

GANTRA 2.5MG contains Vericiguat, which is a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator. It works by enhancing the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the body. This process helps blood vessels relax, improves blood flow, and reduces the strain on the heart, ultimately improving the heart's pumping function.

What is the usual dosage for GANTRA 2.5MG?

The recommended starting dose of GANTRA is 2.5 mg once daily, taken with food. The dose may be gradually increased approximately every two weeks, as tolerated by the patient, to reach a target maintenance dose of 10 mg once daily. If swallowing a whole tablet is difficult, it can be crushed and mixed with water and consumed immediately.

What are the possible side effects of GANTRA 2.5MG?

Common side effects include low blood pressure (hypotension), dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and heartburn. Some patients may also experience a low number of red blood cells (anemia), which can manifest as pale skin, weakness, or breathlessness.

Is GANTRA 2.5MG safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

GANTRA 2.5MG is not recommended during pregnancy due to the potential for harm to the unborn baby. Females of reproductive potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one month after the last dose. It is also not recommended for use by breastfeeding women, as it is unknown if the medication passes into breast milk and could potentially harm the infant.

Can GANTRA 2.5MG be taken with other medications?

GANTRA 2.5MG should not be taken with other soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators (like riociguat), PDE5 inhibitors (such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil), or nitrates (e.g., isosorbide mononitrate) as this combination can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure. Always inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while using GANTRA 2.5MG?

It is important to monitor blood pressure regularly, especially when starting the medication or adjusting the dose, as it can cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised for patients with severe liver or kidney disease, or those undergoing dialysis. If you experience dizziness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. GANTRA 2.5MG is contraindicated if you are allergic to vericiguat or any of its ingredients.

What happens if a dose of GANTRA 2.5MG is missed?

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. However, do not take a double dose to compensate for a forgotten tablet. Continue with your regular dosing schedule the next day.

How should GANTRA 2.5MG be stored?

GANTRA 2.5MG should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, and out of the reach of children. The storage temperature should be below 25°C or 30°C.