What is Ranexa?
Ranexa, or ranolazine, belongs to the class of drugs called anti-anginals. Ranolazine's exact mechanism of action is unknown at this time.Adults can take Ranexa to treat chronic angina. This is a condition where the patient experiences persistent chest pain or pressure when there is not enough oxygen in the heart.Ranexa can be used with or without other medications. This medication is not to be used during an acute attack (emergency).
Side effects of Ranexa
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat,
Ranexa may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- A feeling of lightheadedness;
- If you experience a rapid or pounding pulse, chest fluttering, sudden dizziness, or feel like you may pass out, then this is what it means.
- Kidney disease: swelling, less urination, feeling tired, or shortness of breath.
Some of the most common side effects associated with Ranexa include:
- Nausea, constipation;
- Headache
- Dizziness.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice regarding side effects, call your doctor directly. Alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Warnings
If you have liver cirrhosis, then you should not use Ranexa.Ranexa can cause serious drug interactions when used with certain medications. Inform your healthcare provider about any new or discontinued medicines and all current medications you are taking.Ranexa should not be used during an acute attack (emergency) of chest pain. Continue to use any other medicine prescribed by your physician (such as nitroglycerin) in order to treat acute chest discomfort.Tell your doctor all your medical conditions before you start taking Ranexa. This is especially important if you or your family have a history of Long QT syndrome.Angina chronica is usually treated by combining different medications. Use all your prescribed medications according to your doctor's instructions. You should not alter your medication or dose schedule without consulting your doctor.
Before you take this drug
Ranexa should not be taken if:
- Cirrhosis is a liver disease.
Certain drugs should not be taken with Ranexa. If you are also taking
- Clarithromycin;
- Nefazodone;
- St. John's wort;
- Antifungal medicine: itraconazole, ketoconazole;
- Hiv or aids medicines: indinavir (lopinavir/ritonavir), nelfinavir (nelfinavir/ritonavir), ritonavir (saquinavir);
- Seizure medicine: carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin,
- Tuberculosis medicine: rifabutin, rifampin, and rifapentine.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this medicine will be safe for you:
- Long-QT syndrome
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or nursing.
Similar/related drugs
Amlodipine, metoprolol, aspirin, carvedilol, propranolol, and atenolol
How to take Ranexa?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.Take Ranexa with or without food.Do not chew or crush the tablet.Combinations of medications are often used to treat chronic angina. Do not alter your dosage or schedule without consulting your doctor.If your symptoms don't improve or worsen, call your doctor.Your heart and kidney functions may require medical testing.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for Angina Pectoris:
Increase to 1000 mg twice daily as needed.
Maximum dose: 1,000 mg twice daily.
Treatment for chronic angina
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the missed dose. Use your next dose as usual. Do not take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poisoning. Otherwise seek immediate medical assistance.Overdose symptoms can include nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms may include low blood pressure. Others are dizziness, difficulty speaking, double visions, hallucinations, or confusion.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.Grapefruit can cause unwanted side effects when combined with ranolazine. Avoid grapefruit products.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking. Ranolazine can be affected by many drugs, including:
- Any other medication to treat heart disease
- Antifungal or antibacterial medicine
- Oral diabetes medicine;
- Medicine to prevent organ rejection;
- Medicine to treat mental illness
- Medicine to treat or prevent nausea or vomiting caused by radiation or chemotherapy.
This list does not include all possible drugs that may interact with ranolazine. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not cover all possible drug interactions.
