What is Ranexa used for. How does Ranexa work. What are the potential side effects of Ranexa. How should Ranexa be taken. What are the major drug interactions with Ranexa. Can Ranexa be used during pregnancy. How does Ranexa compare to other angina medications.

Understanding Ranexa: A Comprehensive Guide to This Chronic Angina Medication

Ranexa, also known by its generic name ranolazine, is a medication primarily used to treat chronic angina, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. As an antianginal agent, Ranexa works differently from other angina medications, offering a unique approach to managing this cardiovascular condition.

What is Ranexa and how does it work?

Ranexa is a medication that improves the heart’s oxygen utilization, allowing it to function more efficiently with less oxygen demand. Unlike other angina medications that focus on increasing blood flow or reducing heart rate, Ranexa targets the cellular level of heart function. This unique mechanism of action allows it to be used in combination with other angina treatments, providing additional relief for patients who may not respond adequately to standard therapies alone.

The Primary Uses of Ranexa in Cardiovascular Care

The main indication for Ranexa is the treatment of chronic angina. It is prescribed to:

• Decrease the frequency of angina attacks
• Improve exercise tolerance in patients with chronic angina
• Complement other angina medications for enhanced symptom control

Is Ranexa effective for all types of angina? While Ranexa is primarily used for chronic stable angina, it is not typically prescribed for acute coronary syndromes or unstable angina. Its effectiveness lies in long-term management rather than immediate relief of acute symptoms.

Dosage and Administration: How to Take Ranexa Properly

Proper administration of Ranexa is crucial for its effectiveness and safety. Here are the key points to remember:

• Ranexa is typically taken orally, with or without food, twice daily
• The tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or split
• Dosage is based on individual medical conditions and response to treatment
• Regular use is important for maximum benefit

What is the typical starting dose of Ranexa? The usual starting dose is 500 mg twice daily, which may be increased to 1000 mg twice daily based on clinical response. However, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s specific instructions, as dosages can vary depending on individual factors and concomitant medications.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations of Ranexa

Like all medications, Ranexa can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Constipation
• Nausea

More serious side effects, while rare, can include QT prolongation, a heart rhythm disorder. Patients should be aware of signs such as irregular heartbeat, fainting, or severe dizziness and seek immediate medical attention if these occur.

Are there any precautions for using Ranexa in specific patient groups? Ranexa should be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney problems, and dose adjustments may be necessary. It’s also important to note that Ranexa’s safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, so it should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Drug Interactions: What to Watch Out for When Taking Ranexa

Ranexa has the potential to interact with numerous medications. According to the Drugs.com interaction checker, there are 510 known drug interactions with Ranexa, categorized as follows:

• 161 major interactions
• 318 moderate interactions
• 31 minor interactions

Some of the most commonly checked interactions include:

1. Amlodipine
2. Aspirin
3. Atorvastatin
4. Carvedilol
5. Clopidogrel
6. Metoprolol
7. Nitroglycerin

Why is it crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking? Given the extensive list of potential interactions, it’s vital to provide a complete medication history to your doctor and pharmacist. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements. Some interactions can affect the efficacy of Ranexa or increase the risk of side effects.

Ranexa and Lifestyle Considerations: Diet, Alcohol, and Exercise

While taking Ranexa, certain lifestyle factors should be considered:

• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided unless specifically approved by your doctor, as they can increase the risk of side effects
• Alcohol consumption should be discussed with your healthcare provider, as there is a known alcohol/food interaction with Ranexa
• Regular exercise, as tolerated and recommended by your doctor, can complement the effects of Ranexa in managing angina

How does Ranexa affect daily activities? While Ranexa can improve exercise tolerance, it’s important to start any new exercise regimen under medical supervision. Some patients may experience dizziness, especially when starting the medication, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery until you know how Ranexa affects you.

Comparing Ranexa to Other Angina Medications: Advantages and Differences

Ranexa stands out from traditional angina medications in several ways:

• Unique mechanism of action focusing on cellular metabolism
• Can be used in combination with other angina treatments
• Does not significantly affect heart rate or blood pressure
• May be effective in patients who don’t respond adequately to standard therapies

How does Ranexa compare to nitrates or beta-blockers in angina management? Unlike nitrates, which work by dilating blood vessels, or beta-blockers, which reduce heart rate and workload, Ranexa improves the heart’s efficiency in using oxygen. This unique approach allows it to be used alongside these traditional treatments for enhanced symptom control.

Long-term Use of Ranexa: What Patients Need to Know

For patients prescribed Ranexa for chronic angina management, several factors should be considered for long-term use:

• Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to assess effectiveness and monitor for side effects
• Potential need for dose adjustments over time
• Importance of adherence to the prescribed regimen for optimal benefit
• Awareness of any changes in symptoms or new side effects that should be reported to your doctor

What should patients do if they miss a dose of Ranexa? If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it’s close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. It’s important not to double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

Monitoring and Follow-up Care for Ranexa Users

Patients taking Ranexa should expect regular monitoring, which may include:

• Periodic ECGs to check for QT prolongation
• Liver function tests, especially in patients with a history of liver problems
• Assessment of kidney function, particularly in older adults or those with known renal issues
• Evaluation of angina symptoms and overall cardiovascular health

How often should patients on Ranexa have follow-up appointments? The frequency of follow-up appointments can vary based on individual factors, but typically, patients may have more frequent check-ups when starting the medication, with less frequent visits once stabilized on an effective dose. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate schedule for your situation.

Patient Education: Empowering Ranexa Users for Better Outcomes

Education plays a crucial role in the successful management of chronic angina with Ranexa. Patients should be informed about:

• The importance of taking Ranexa as prescribed, even if feeling better
• Signs and symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention
• Potential drug interactions and the need to consult healthcare providers before starting new medications
• Lifestyle modifications that can complement the effects of Ranexa, such as heart-healthy diet and appropriate exercise

What resources are available for patients to learn more about Ranexa and angina management? Many healthcare providers offer patient education materials, and reputable online sources such as the American Heart Association provide valuable information. Additionally, pharmacists can be an excellent resource for medication-specific questions and guidance.

Future Directions: Research and Development in Ranexa and Angina Treatment

As medical research continues, new insights into Ranexa and angina management are emerging:

• Ongoing studies exploring potential new indications for Ranexa
• Research into combination therapies that may enhance the efficacy of Ranexa
• Investigations into long-term outcomes and quality of life improvements with Ranexa use
• Development of new formulations or delivery methods to optimize treatment

What potential future applications of Ranexa are being studied? While Ranexa is primarily used for chronic stable angina, researchers are investigating its potential benefits in other cardiovascular conditions, such as certain types of arrhythmias and diabetic cardiovascular complications. However, these applications remain experimental and require further study before any recommendations can be made.

The Role of Ranexa in Comprehensive Cardiovascular Care

Ranexa represents an important addition to the arsenal of treatments available for chronic angina. Its unique mechanism of action allows for a multifaceted approach to angina management when used in conjunction with other therapies. Key points to remember include:

• Ranexa complements rather than replaces other angina treatments
• It offers an alternative for patients who may not respond adequately to traditional therapies
• The medication requires careful monitoring and adherence to prescribed regimens
• Patient education and regular follow-up are essential for optimal outcomes

How does Ranexa fit into a comprehensive cardiovascular care plan? Ranexa is often part of a broader strategy that may include other medications, lifestyle modifications, and regular cardiovascular check-ups. It’s important for patients to view Ranexa as one component of their overall heart health management, working in concert with other interventions to improve quality of life and reduce angina symptoms.

Ranexa Interactions Checker – Drugs.com

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There are 510 drugs known to interact with
Ranexa (ranolazine), along with
3 disease interactions, and 1 alcohol/food interaction.

Of the total drug interactions,
161 are major, 318 are moderate, and 31 are minor.

Does Ranexa interact with my other drugs?

Enter other medications to view a detailed report.

• View all 510 medications that may interact with Ranexa
• View Ranexa alcohol/food interactions (1)
• View Ranexa disease interactions (3)

Most frequently checked interactions

View interaction reports for Ranexa (ranolazine) and the medicines listed below.

• Major
• Moderate
• Minor
• Unknown

• amlodipine
• Aspir 81 (aspirin)
• aspirin
• Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin)
• atorvastatin
• carvedilol
• clopidogrel
• Crestor (rosuvastatin)
• furosemide
• gabapentin
• Imdur (isosorbide mononitrate)
• isosorbide mononitrate
• Lasix (furosemide)
• levothyroxine
• Lipitor (atorvastatin)
• lisinopril
• losartan
• metformin
• metoprolol
• Metoprolol Succinate ER (metoprolol)
• Metoprolol Tartrate (metoprolol)
• nitroglycerin
• Nitrostat (nitroglycerin)
• omeprazole
• pantoprazole
• Plavix (clopidogrel)
• potassium chloride
• simvastatin
• Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)

Ranexa alcohol/food interactions

There is 1 alcohol/food interaction with Ranexa (ranolazine).

Ranexa disease interactions

There are 3 disease interactions with Ranexa (ranolazine) which include:

• severe hepatic impairment
• QT prolongation
• renal disease

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More about Ranexa (ranolazine)

• Ranexa consumer information
• Compare alternatives
• Pricing & coupons
• Reviews (67)
• Drug images
• Side effects
• Dosage information
• During pregnancy
• FDA approval history
• Drug class: antianginal agents
• En español

Related treatment guides

• Angina

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

Major	Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate	Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor	Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown	No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Ranexa Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

Ranolazine is used to treat a certain type of chest pain (chronic angina). It decreases how often you may get chest pain and may help to increase your ability to exercise.Ranolazine works differently than other drugs for angina, so it can be used with your other angina medications (including nitrates, calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine, beta blockers such as metoprolol). It is thought to work by improving how well the heart uses oxygen so that it can do more work with less oxygen.

How to use Ranexa

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking ranolazine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or split tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Do not take more of this medication than your doctor prescribes.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. This medication must be taken regularly to be effective. It should not be used to treat angina when it occurs. Use other medications (such as sublingual nitroglycerin) to relieve an angina attack as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (such as if your chest pain happens more often).

Side Effects

Dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, nausea, tiredness, and constipation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fainting, severe dizziness, fast/irregular heartbeat.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking ranolazine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems (such as cirrhosis), kidney problems.

Ranolazine may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.

The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using ranolazine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).

Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/”water pills”) or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using ranolazine safely.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

See also How to Use section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Other medications can affect the removal of ranolazine from your body, which may affect how ranolazine works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), clarithromycin, cobicistat, nefazodone, HIV protease inhibitors (such as indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir), rifamycins (such as rifabutin, rifampin), ritonavir, drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), St. John’s wort, among others.

Does Ranexa interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness/fainting, fast/irregular/very slow heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations), vomiting, severe tremor, unsteadiness.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Images

Ranexa 1,000 mg tablet,extended release

Color: pale yellowShape: oblongImprint: GSI1000

This medicine is a pale yellow, oblong, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “GSI1000”.

Ranexa 500 mg tablet,extended release

Color: light orangeShape: oblongImprint: GSI500

This medicine is a pale yellow, oblong, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “GSI1000”.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Ranex – a new milestone in the treatment of stable angina | #08/13

By selectively inhibiting the late sodium current, ranolazine prevents the overload of cardiomyocytes with sodium ions, blocking the reverse sodium-calcium exchange and the accumulation of calcium ions. Can be used as monotherapy and in combination

#08/13

Keywords / keywords:

Ranolazine, Stable stenocardia

Ranexa: a new step in treatment of stable stenocardia

Through selective inhibit ion of late sodium current, ranolazine prevents cardiomyocites overloading by sodium ions, blocking reverse sodium-calcium exchange and accumulation of calcium ions. It can be applied as a single-drug therapy amounting to combined treatment of stable stenocardia.

As advertising

Modern medicine offers a wide range of tools used to treat coronary heart disease, including both drug therapy and invasive treatments. But, despite all the achievements of medicine, a significant part of patients suffering from coronary heart disease continues to experience symptoms of angina pectoris, which significantly limits their activity and reduces the quality of everyday life.

For these reasons, at the present stage, one of the main tasks in the treatment of patients with stable angina is still to reduce the frequency and intensity of angina attacks in order to improve the patient’s quality of life.

Berlin-Chemie/A Menarini introduces a new drug in its cardiology line – Ranexa®. Ranexa® is an innovative drug for the treatment of stable angina pectoris.

Ranexa® was first registered in the United States in 2006, where it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States (FDA) as a drug for the treatment of stable angina pectoris. The drug has been on the European market since 2008.

Ranexa® is a new drug for the treatment of stable angina with an innovative mechanism of action that reduces ischemia in patients with stable angina.

The clinical manifestations of stable angina are based on transient myocardial ischemia, which is caused by a mismatch between myocardial oxygen demand and its delivery. Under conditions of ischemia, cardiomyocytes are overloaded with calcium ions, which in turn leads to impaired myocardial relaxation during diastole and impaired diastolic filling of the coronary arteries, provoking an angina attack.

Ranolazine, the active ingredient of the original drug Ranexa®, is a powerful inhibitor of late sodium current. By selectively inhibiting the late sodium current, ranolazine prevents the overload of cardiomyocytes with sodium ions, thereby blocking the reverse sodium-calcium metabolism and, accordingly, the accumulation of calcium ions in the cell. This contributes to the improvement of the mechanical and electrical function of the myocardium by improving diastolic relaxation and coronary blood flow without affecting the hemodynamic parameters and independently of them. Due to this mechanism of action, the drug breaks the vicious circle of ischemia, restoring the balance between the delivery and consumption of oxygen by the myocardium.

The mechanism of action of ranolazine is unique and fundamentally new, which distinguishes it from other classes of drugs for the treatment of stable angina pectoris and suggests the emergence of a new modern class of antianginal drugs.

The high efficacy and safety parameters of ranolazine have been studied in large multicenter clinical trials (MARISA, CARISA, ROLE, ERICA, MERLIN-TIMI, TERISA), which involved more than 8,000 patients. Ranolazine has an effective antianginal and antiischemic effect, has been proven to reduce the frequency of angina attacks and increase exercise tolerance in patients with stable angina pectoris.

The drug is included in European and American guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of stable angina.

Ranexa® is available in two dosages of 500 mg and 100 mg.