carbocromen

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

carbocromen, also known as chromonar, is a vasodilator with antiarrhythmic properties. It acts by dilating blood vessels, which leads to increased blood flow and reduced resistance in the peripheral vasculature. This vasodilatory action can help improve blood circulation in conditions such as peripheral vascular disease.

Additionally, carbocromen has been shown to exhibit antiarrhythmic effects by affecting the specific conduction system of the heart, including the sinoatrial (SA) and atrioventricular (AV) nodes. carbocromen was primarily used for its vasodilatory and antiarrhythmic properties. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

mild throat irritation 

cough 

unpleasant taste 

nasal discomfort 

Sneezing 

burning sensation 

eye irritation 

Stinging 

burning 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

There are no black box warnings associated with carbocromen. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Hypersensitivity: Individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to carbocromen or any of its components should not use the medication. 
• Severe Hypotension: carbocromen’s vasodilatory effects could potentially lead to excessive blood pressure lowering, especially in individuals who already have severe hypotension (very low blood pressure). 
• Cardiac Conditions: In individuals with severe heart failure or unstable angina, the use of vasodilators like carbocromen might worsen cardiac function. 
• Cerebral Haemorrhage: Vasodilators can increase blood flow to the brain, which could be problematic in individuals with a history of cerebral haemorrhage. 
• Certain Medications: There could be interactions or contraindications with other medications the individual is taking, especially those that affect blood pressure regulation or cardiovascular function.

Caution: 

• Hypotension: Vasodilators like carbocromen can lead to a drop in blood pressure. Individuals with a tendency toward low blood pressure (hypotension) or those taking medications that lower blood pressure should use carbocromen cautiously. 
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Individuals with underlying cardiovascular conditions, such as heart disease, heart failure, or arrhythmias, should be monitored closely while using carbocromen as it may affect cardiac function and blood flow. 
• Renal Impairment: Individuals with impaired kidney function may need dose adjustments or careful monitoring while using vasodilators like carbocromen, as changes in blood flow can impact renal function. 
• Liver Dysfunction: Liver function may impact the metabolism and clearance of medications, including carbocromen. Caution is advised in individuals with liver dysfunction.

Comorbidities: 

• Hypertension: Individuals with hypertension might be using vasodilators or other antihypertensive medications to manage their condition. The use of carbocromen as a vasodilator could potentially interact with existing hypertensive treatments. 
• Cardiovascular Diseases: Individuals with a history of cardiovascular diseases like congestive heart failure or valvular disorders may require careful monitoring while using carbocromen, as changes in blood flow and cardiac function could impact their condition. 
• Cerebrovascular Diseases: Conditions such as a history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks might be affected by the changes in blood flow. 
• Diabetes: People with diabetes may need careful monitoring of their blood pressure and glucose levels when using vasodilators like carbocromen. 
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of carbocromen during pregnancy and breastfeeding may not be established. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should use carbocromen under caution. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: pregnancy category: not assigned 

Lactation: excreted into human milk: unknown  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

carbocromen is a vasodilator used in the treatment of cardiac ischemia, angina pectoris, and hypertension. Its mechanism of action is believed to involve inhibition of phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes, which leads to an increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate & cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels in vascular smooth muscle cells, promoting vasodilation. carbocromen administration has also been reported to have antiarrhythmic properties and can alleviate the depressed activity of the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes in the heart.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

• Vasodilation: The primary pharmacodynamic effect of carbocromen as a vasodilator would be the relaxation and widening of blood vessels. This effect could lead to increased blood flow and reduced resistance within the vascular system. 
• Smooth Muscle Relaxation: Vasodilation often involves the relaxation of smooth muscle cells. carbocromen may act on cellular signalling pathways that promote smooth muscle relaxation, allowing the blood vessels to dilate. 
• Nitric Oxide Pathway: Many vasodilators work by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide (NO), a signalling molecule that promotes vasodilation. carbocromen might influence the production, release, or sensitivity to NO, leading to increased relaxation of blood vessel walls. 
• Arterial and Venous Vasodilation: Depending on its specific mechanisms of action, carbocromen might induce both arterial and venous vasodilation, affecting different parts of the cardiovascular system.

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

After inhalation or intranasal administration, carbocromen is absorbed locally in the respiratory or nasal mucosa. 

Distribution 

carbocromen’s distribution is primarily limited to the site of administration (respiratory or nasal mucosa). It does not undergo significant systemic distribution. 

Metabolism 

carbocromen is not significantly metabolized in the body. It remains primarily in its unchanged form. 

Elimination and excretion 

The drug and its metabolites get excreted primarily through urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

• Route of Administration: Vasodilators can be administered through various routes, including oral (by mouth), intravenous (IV), or other parenteral routes. The appropriate route would depend on the specific formulation and intended clinical context. 
• Dosage Form: carbocromen’s dosage form could influence its administration. It might be available as tablets, capsules, injectable solutions, or other formulations. The dosage form would dictate how the medication is prepared and given to the patient. 
• Dosage: The appropriate dosage of carbocromen as a vasodilator would depend on factors such as the patient’s medical condition, the severity of symptoms, and the intended therapeutic effect. Dosages are often determined based on clinical trials, pharmacokinetic studies, and medical guidelines. 
• Frequency: The frequency of administration (once daily, multiple times a day) would also depend on the specific treatment goals and the medication’s duration of action. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: carbocromen 

Pronounced: (kar-bo-KROH-men)  

Why do we use carbocromen? 

• Peripheral Vascular Disease: carbocromen may be investigated as a treatment for conditions such as peripheral vascular disease, where blood flow to the extremities (arms and legs) is restricted. By promoting vasodilation, it could help improve circulation and alleviate symptoms like pain and discomfort. 
• Raynaud’s Disease: Raynaud’s disease is characterized by vasospasms in the blood vessels of the fingers & toes, leading to reduced blood flow and color changes. carbocromen’s vasodilatory properties could potentially be explored to manage these vasospasms and improve blood circulation. 
• Hypertension: Vasodilators are sometimes used to help lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. carbocromen’s ability to relax blood vessels could contribute to reducing blood pressure. 
• Angina Pectoris: It is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. Vasodilators like carbocromen might be considered to improve blood supply to the heart and alleviate angina symptoms.