Ranexa (Ranolazine)

What is Ranexa?

Ranexa is an anti-anginal medicine, which may be used with calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, lipid-lowering therapy, anti-platelet therapy, nitrates, angiotensin receptor blockers, and ACE inhibitors to treat angina pain.

What is Ranexa used for?

Ranexa is indicated for the treatment of chronic angina (chest) pain. The medicine reduces the number of times a patient may get chest (angina) pain. Relieving symptoms of angina pain may increase the ability of the person to perform strenuous work.

How does Ranexa work?

Ranexa works by improving the heart’s ability to work with less oxygen. It improves blood flow and thus, helps the heart function more efficiently.

How to use Ranexa

Ranexa should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken twice daily. It can be taken with or without food. Do not break, crush or chew the tablet. Swallow it whole. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

It is advisable not to take more than 1000 milligrams twice a day.

Ranexa warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you have liver disease.  Prior to taking Ranexa, tell your doctor if you have a personal or family history of Long QT Syndrome. 

While using Ranexa, avoid performing activities that require alertness. Also, do not use grapefruit and grapefruit juice with this medicine as the interaction between the two may lead to potentially dangerous effects.

It is important to note that Ranexa is not to be used in the treatment of an acute angina attack. Pregnant and lactating women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Ranexa dose?

If you have missed your Ranexa dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Ranexa overdose?

If you have taken a Ranexa overdose, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Ranexa interactions

Before taking Ranexa, consult your doctor if you take digoxin (Lanoxin), aprepitant (Emend), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan, Covera), diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral, Gengraf), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), simvastatin (Zocor), St. John’s wort; seizure medication such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol); an antifungal medicine such as itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), fluconazole (Diflucan); barbiturates such as butabarbital (Butisol), secobarbital (Seconal), amobarbital (Amytal), mephobarbital (Mebaral), or phenobarbital (Solfoton); antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), rifabutin (Mycobutin), azithromycin (Zithromax), rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab), or rifapentin (Priftin); antidepressants such as doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl), or paroxetine (Paxil); HIV medication such as saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase), tipranavir (Aptivus), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), indinavir (Crixivan), ritonavir (Norvir), atazanavir (Reyataz), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), or nelfinavir (Viracept); medicines used for the treatment of mental illness, such as ziprasidone (Geodon), thioridazine (Mellaril); or heart rhythm medication such as dofetilide (Tikosyn), quinidine (Quinidex, Cardioquin, Quinaglute), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), sotalol (Betapace, Sorine).

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use. Do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Ranexa side effects

Ranexa side effects include hives, skin rash, muscle weakness, severe tingling, bruising, breathing trouble, shortness of breath, fast or slow heartbeats, decreased urination, blood in urine, tremor (or shaking), swelling in hands, feet, face, tongue, lips or throat; and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Ranexa, contact your doctor right away.

Headache, mild dizziness, dry mouth, spinning sensation, mild nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach ache, weakness, and ringing in ears are some less serious side effects from Ranexa.