What is Ranexa used for. How does Ranexa work to treat chronic angina. What are the potential side effects and drug interactions of Ranexa. How should Ranexa be taken properly. What precautions should be considered when using Ranexa.

Understanding Ranexa and Its Role in Treating Chronic Angina

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. Unlike other angina medications, Ranexa works uniquely to improve the heart’s oxygen utilization, allowing it to function more efficiently with less oxygen demand.

How does Ranexa differ from other angina medications? Ranexa’s distinctive mechanism of action allows it to be used in combination with other angina treatments, such as nitrates, calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers. This versatility makes it a valuable addition to the treatment regimen for patients with persistent angina symptoms despite conventional therapy.

The Mechanism of Action: How Ranexa Works in the Body

Ranexa’s effectiveness in treating chronic angina stems from its unique mechanism of action. The medication is believed to work by inhibiting the late sodium current in cardiac cells. This inhibition leads to a reduction in intracellular calcium overload, which is associated with ischemic conditions in the heart.

By modulating these ionic currents, Ranexa helps to:

• Improve myocardial relaxation
• Reduce myocardial oxygen consumption
• Enhance coronary blood flow
• Decrease the frequency and severity of angina episodes

These effects collectively contribute to better heart function and reduced angina symptoms without significantly affecting heart rate or blood pressure.

Proper Dosage and Administration of Ranexa

Administering Ranexa correctly is crucial for achieving optimal therapeutic benefits while minimizing potential side effects. The medication is available in extended-release tablets, typically prescribed to be taken twice daily.

How should Ranexa be taken? Here are the key points to remember:

• Take Ranexa orally, with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider
• Swallow the tablets whole – do not crush, chew, or split them
• Typical starting dose is 500 mg twice daily, which may be increased to 1000 mg twice daily based on clinical response
• Maintain a consistent dosing schedule for best results
• Do not exceed the prescribed dose without consulting your doctor

Is it necessary to adjust Ranexa dosage in certain patient populations? Yes, dose adjustments may be required for patients with moderate to severe renal impairment or mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Additionally, elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Ranexa and may require lower initial doses.

Common Side Effects and Adverse Reactions Associated with Ranexa

While Ranexa is generally well-tolerated, like all medications, it can cause side effects in some patients. Understanding these potential adverse reactions can help patients and healthcare providers monitor for any concerning symptoms.

What are the most common side effects of Ranexa? The most frequently reported side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Weakness

These side effects are usually mild to moderate in intensity and often subside as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider.

Are there any serious side effects to be aware of? While less common, some patients may experience more severe reactions, including:

• QT interval prolongation (a heart rhythm abnormality)
• Syncope (fainting)
• Kidney problems
• Allergic reactions

Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, or signs of an allergic reaction like rash, itching, or swelling.

Drug Interactions and Precautions for Ranexa Use

Ranexa can interact with numerous other medications, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Understanding these interactions is crucial for safe and effective treatment.

Which medications are known to interact with Ranexa? Some notable drug interactions include:

• CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin)
• CYP3A inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenobarbital)
• P-glycoprotein inhibitors (e.g., cyclosporine)
• Drugs that prolong the QT interval (e.g., certain antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics)
• Certain statins (e.g., simvastatin, lovastatin)

It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, to avoid potential interactions.

Are there any dietary restrictions while taking Ranexa? Patients should avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Ranexa, as it can increase the concentration of the drug in the bloodstream, potentially leading to side effects.

Ranexa in Special Patient Populations

Certain patient groups may require special considerations when using Ranexa. Understanding these specific populations helps ensure safe and effective use of the medication.

How should Ranexa be used in patients with renal or hepatic impairment? Patients with moderate to severe renal impairment or mild to moderate hepatic impairment may require dose adjustments. Ranexa is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Is Ranexa safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding? The safety of Ranexa in pregnancy has not been established, and it should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It’s unknown if Ranexa is excreted in human milk, so caution is advised for breastfeeding mothers.

Can elderly patients safely use Ranexa? Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Ranexa and may require lower initial doses. Close monitoring for side effects is recommended in this population.

Monitoring and Follow-up for Patients on Ranexa Therapy

Regular monitoring is essential for patients taking Ranexa to ensure optimal therapeutic benefit and minimize potential risks. Healthcare providers should establish a follow-up plan tailored to each patient’s individual needs and risk factors.

What should be monitored in patients taking Ranexa? Key aspects of monitoring include:

• Efficacy in reducing angina symptoms
• ECG changes, particularly QT interval
• Renal function
• Liver function
• Potential drug interactions with concomitant medications

How often should follow-up visits be scheduled? Initially, patients may need more frequent follow-ups, such as every 1-3 months, to assess response to therapy and monitor for side effects. Once stable, less frequent visits (e.g., every 6-12 months) may be appropriate, depending on individual patient factors.

Long-term Efficacy and Safety Considerations for Ranexa Use

As chronic angina often requires long-term management, understanding the long-term efficacy and safety profile of Ranexa is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers.

Does Ranexa maintain its effectiveness over time? Clinical studies have demonstrated that Ranexa can provide sustained benefits in reducing angina symptoms and improving exercise tolerance over extended periods. However, individual responses may vary, and regular follow-ups are essential to assess ongoing efficacy.

Are there any long-term safety concerns associated with Ranexa use? While Ranexa has shown a favorable safety profile in long-term studies, vigilance for potential cumulative effects or rare adverse events is important. Ongoing monitoring of renal and hepatic function, as well as cardiac parameters, is recommended for patients on long-term Ranexa therapy.

Can patients develop tolerance to Ranexa over time? Unlike some other medications used for angina, such as nitrates, there is no evidence of tolerance development with long-term use of Ranexa. This characteristic contributes to its suitability for chronic management of angina symptoms.

In conclusion, Ranexa offers a unique approach to managing chronic angina, complementing existing therapies and providing relief for patients who may not achieve adequate symptom control with conventional treatments alone. Its distinct mechanism of action, coupled with a generally favorable side effect profile, makes it a valuable option in the armamentarium against chronic angina. However, as with any medication, proper patient selection, careful monitoring, and adherence to prescribed regimens are crucial for maximizing benefits and minimizing risks. As research continues, our understanding of Ranexa’s role in cardiovascular care may further evolve, potentially expanding its applications and refining its use in various patient populations.

Ranexa Interactions Checker – Drugs.com

Print

Save

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

Report options

Loading…

QR code containing a link to this page

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”.

Next

Save up to 80% on your prescriptions.

Available coupons

Save up to 80% on your prescription with WebMDRx

Drug Survey

Are you currently using Ranexa?

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.

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.