Patient leaflet - SUSTAC TABLETS 2.6 MG
PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET
Sustac tablets 2.6 mg and 6.4 mg
(Glyceryl Trinitrate)
Please read this leaflet carefully. It gives you a summary of the information about your medicine.
If there is anything you do not understand, please ask your doctor or phar macist (chemist) to explain it to you.
What's in your medicine?
Your medicine is called Sustac Tablets. Each modified release tablet contains either 2.6 mg or 6.4 mg of an active ingredient called glyceryl trinitrate.
The tablets are available in containers of 90 tablets.
As well as the active ingredient, your medicine also contains: compressible sugar (containing invert sugar), erythrosine, magnesium stearate, ethyl cellulose, castor oil, shellac, sucrose, corn starch, talc and lactose.
Sustac Tablets belong to a group of medicines called ‚nitrate vasodilators‘ which cause widening of blood vessels and reduce the work that the heart must do to pump blood through them. In addition nitrates may improve blood supply to the heart itself.
The Marketing Authorisation holder of Sustac Tablets is: Chemidex Pharma Ltd., trading as Essential Generics, 7 Egham Business Village, Crabtree Road, Egham, Surrey, TW20 8RB.
The manufacturer is: Forest Laboratories UK Ltd.,Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent, DA5 1NX.
What your medicine is used for ?
Sustac Tablets are used to prevent the chest pain caused by angina pectoris. Angina occurs when there is an inadequate supply of oxygen for the work the heart is performing. Sustac Tablets will reduce the heart's work and will release the medicine slowly giving protection over several hours. Sustac Tablets are not suitable for treating an attack that has already star ted as the tablets will take too long to start working.
Before using your medicine
- Are you pregnant or intending to become pregnant?
- Are you breastfeeding a baby?
- Are you taking Viagra (Sildenafil) for male erectile problems?
If you use Viagra while using nitrate preparations, such as Sustac Tablets, a severe and possibly dangerous fall in blood pressure can occur. This would result in collapse, unconsciousness and could be fatal. You should not take Viagra while using Sustac Tablets.
- Are you taking any other form of hear t medicine which contains glyceryl trinitrate?
- Are you taking any medicine for high blood pressure or Raynaud's Syndrome?
- Are you allergic to glyceryl trinitrate or any of the ingredients of Sustac Tablets listed above?
- Are you anaemic (suffering from low iron content in your blood)?
- Do you have the eye disease called glaucoma?
- Have you ever suffered from cerebral haemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) or a serious head injur y?
- Have you ever been told that you have an intolerance to some sugars?
If the answer to any of these questions is ‚YES‘, and your doctor is not aware – do not take Sustac Tablets – but tell your doctor or pharmacist (chemist).
How to take your medicine
Always read the pharmacy (chemist) label. The label should tell you HOW MANY TIMES and WHEN to take your medicine. If it doesn't or you aren't sure – ask the pharmacist (chemist) or go back to see your doctor.
The usual dosage is to take either one or two tablets three times a day, between meals. You should try to stick to the same time each day. It is very important that the tablets are swallowed whole. Do not chew or place under the tongue to dissolve.
What to do if you forget to take a dose
If you are taking this medicine regularly and you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if the next scheduled dose is within 6 hours, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses.
While taking your medicine
- Drink alcohol only in moderation,. if at all.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy or have a bad headache.
- Do not stop taking Sustac Tablets without consulting your doctor. Stopping suddenly may bring on attacks of angina. If treatment with Sustac Tablets is to be withdrawn, this should be done gradually by reducing the dose over a period of several days.
What to do if you take too many tablets
Remember ALL medicines can be dangerous.
If you or anyone else takes a large number of Sustac Tablets, seek medical advice at once. A large overdose can have serious effects and anyone who has taken too many tablets should go to the nearest hospital accident and emergency department immediately, taking the bottle to show the doctor.
After taking your medicine
The tablets may cause side-effects such as:
- Fast heartbeat / awareness of your own heart beating rapidly.
- Dizziness or light-headedness, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position.
- Headaches, especially at the beginning of the treatment.
- Flushing of the face.
If headaches continue or are severe, please consult your doctor who may decide to reduce the dosage or offer you a different medicine to take. The dizziness, fainting or light-headedness is more likely to occur if you drink alcohol, stand for long periods of time, exercise, or if the weather is hot. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at:
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Storing your medicine
- Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
- Do not store the tablets above 25°C.
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label.