Ranolazine is a drug to prevent or reduce the occurrence of angina attacks (chest pain). Ranolazine may be combined with other drugs. This medicine should only be used based on a doctor's prescription.
Angina occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen due to narrowing of the coronary arteries . Ranolazine works by maximizing the use of oxygen in the heart so that the heart can still work properly even though the oxygen supply is not available as normal.
This way of working allows ranolazine to reduce the frequency of chest pain or angina, as well as help improve the patient's ability to do physical activity. However, keep in mind that this medication cannot be used to treat an ongoing angina attack.
Trademark for ranolazine: Ranexa
What is Ranolazine
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Antianginal drug |
| Benefit | Prevent or reduce the occurrence of angina pectoris |
| Used by | Mature |
| Ranolazine for pregnant and lactating women |
Category B: Animal studies have demonstrated an adverse effect on the fetus, but this has not been confirmed by data in controlled studies in pregnant women.
If you are pregnant, you should consult your doctor about using this drug. It is not known whether ranolazine is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, you should consult your doctor about using this drug. |
| Drug Form | Slow release tablets |
Warning Before Consuming Ranolazine
There are several things that you should pay attention to before using ranolazine, including:
- Do not take this drug if you are allergic to ranolazine. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have cirrhosis. Patients with these conditions should not use ranolazine.
- Tell your doctor if you have had or currently have heart failure , liver disease, or kidney disease.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking medication for epilepsy, tuberculosis , or HIV/AIDS .
- Tell your doctor if you or your family have a history of heart rhythm disturbances ( arrhythmias ), abnormalities in EKG results , or sudden cardiac arrest at a young age.
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages or grapefruit or their processed products while using this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain drugs or herbal products, to anticipate drug interactions.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy, before taking this medication.
- Do not immediately drive or do other activities that require alertness after taking ranolazine, because this drug can cause dizziness or drowsiness.
- Immediately go to the doctor if an allergic reaction to the drug appears after consuming ranolazine.
Dosage and Rules for Using Ranolazine
The dose of ranolazine to treat angina pectoris is:
- Adult: initial dose of 375 mg twice daily. After 2–4 weeks, the dose is increased to 500 mg 2 times daily. Maximum dose of 750 mg 2 times a day.
How to Take Ranolazine Properly
Always follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the information on the drug packaging before taking ranolazine. Do not increase, decrease or stop taking ranolazine without first consulting your doctor.
Ranolazine can be taken before or after meals. Swallow ranolazine tablets whole with the help of plain water. Do not split, chew, or crush the medication, as this may affect its effectiveness.
Take ranolazine at around the same time every day. If you forget to take ranolazine, take this drug immediately if it is nearing the next schedule. If it is close, ignore the missed dose and do not double the next dose.
Check with your doctor regularly to find out your body's condition and response to treatment. Immediately consult a doctor if chest pain appears more frequently even though you have taken ranolazine regularly.
Store ranolazine in a place where it is room temperature, dry and away from direct sunlight, and keep the drug out of reach of children.
Ranolazine Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some of the side effects that can occur if ranolazine is used together with other medicines:
- Increased risk of overdose and side effects of ranolazine when used with itraconazole, ketoconazole , antivirals for HIV infection, or clarithromycin
- Drastic reduction in the effectiveness of ranolazine when used with rifampicin, phenytoin, phenobarbital, or carbamazepine
- Increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias) which can be fatal when used with quinidine
- Increased risk of ranolazine side effects when used with diltiazem , fluconazole, erythromycin, verapamil, or ciclosporin
- Increased risk of side effects from digoxin
- Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis when used with simvastatin
- Increased levels and risk of side effects of atorvastatin, lovastatin , tacrolimus, or everolimus
- Increased risk of side effects from metformin
- Increased risk of developing ventricular arrhythmias when used with terfenadine
Side Effects and Dangers of Ranolazine
Side effects that may occur if ranolazine is used together with other drugs are:
- Nauseous
- Vomit
- Weak
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizzy
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. See a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness as if you are going to pass out
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Kidney disorders , which can be marked by reduced urine volume or even no urination, pain when urinating, swelling in the feet or ankles, and shortness of breath