Ranolazine
About
Ranolazine belongs to the class of anti-anginal medications. It is used alone or with other medicines to treat angina pectoris. Angina pectoris is discomfort in the chest or chest pain, which generally occurs due to coronary artery disease (CAD) when an adequate amount of oxygen and blood is not reaching the heart and its muscles. It can also be due to the blockage of the heart's arteries. It helps prevent any further attack of angina by making the heart work more efficiently, and it is used as an add-on to existing treatment in patients whose disease is not adequately controlled by other medicines for angina pectoris, such as beta-blockers or calcium antagonists, or in patients who cannot take these medicines.
The active substance in Ranolazine is Ranolazine, which reduces sodium ions flow into the heart muscle cells. This interferes with the activity of special channels on the cell surface called 'sodium-dependent calcium channels through which calcium ions normally enter the cells. This reduces the number of calcium ions that enter the cells. Calcium ions normally cause the heart muscle to contract. By reducing the flow of calcium into the cells, Ranolazine is thought to help the heart to relax, improving blood flow to the heart muscle and relieving the symptoms of angina pectoris.
Your doctor will tell you how to take the Ranolazine based on your medical condition. You may sometimes experience constipation, dizziness, headache, or feeling sick. Most of these side effects of Ranolazine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not consume Ranolazine if you are allergic to any component in this medicine. Ranolazine should not be stopped even if you feel better for the best results as it prevents any future harm. If you stop taking the Ranolazine on your own, your chest pain can come back in more severe form. If you plan to get pregnant or are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your doctor to avoid any unwanted harm to the baby. Some lifestyle modifications are important for best results when taking Ranolazine like smoking cessation, decreasing alcohol intake, eating well, regular exercise, and managing stress. Ranolazine should be taken with caution if you have any liver or kidney problems. Also, inform your doctor if you are taking other medications to avoid unwanted side effects or contraindications.
Uses of Ranolazine
Medicinal Benefits
Ranolazine is prescribed for treating angina. Ranolazine is an anti-anginal medication used to treat angina pectoris. It reduces sodium ions' flow into the heart muscle cells. This interferes with the activity of special channels on the cell surface called ‘sodium-dependent calcium channels’ through which calcium ions normally enter the cells. This reduces the number of calcium ions that enter the cells. Calcium ions normally cause the heart muscle to contract. By reducing the flow of calcium into the cells, Ranolazine is thought to help the heart to relax, improving blood flow to the heart muscle and relieving the symptoms of angina pectoris.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ranolazine
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Feeling sick
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Ranolazine should be taken with caution in liver/kidney disease, are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, history of heart disease. Also, grapefruit juice should be avoided while taking Ranolazine. As a precautionary measure, junk food items from outside and stick to freshly prepared home-cooked meals for a speedy recovery. Do regular exercise to avoid the feeling of heaviness in the abdomen.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Ranolazine is known to contra-indicate in certain medicines to treat bacterial infections (clarithromycin, telithromycin), lipid-lowering drugs (simvastatin, atorvastatin), fungal infections (itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole), HIV infection (protease inhibitors), depression (nefazodone), antipsychotic medications (haloperidol), or heart rhythm disorders (quinidine, dofetilide, or sotalol).
Drug-Food Interactions: Ranolazine may interact with other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Also, grapefruit juice should be avoided while taking Ranolazine.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Caution should be exercised if used in patients with severe hepatic impairment, renal disease, long QT interval, or using other QT- prolonging drugs.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if prescribedRanolazine does not have any reported interaction; hence, if you experience any difficulty, discuss with your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeRanolazine should not be used when pregnancy unless necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Ranolazine.
Breast Feeding
unsafeRanolazine should not be used in nursing mothers. Please consult the doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Driving
safe if prescribedRanolazine does not have any reported interaction; hence, in case you experience any difficulty, discuss with your doctor.
Liver
cautionRanolazine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionRanolazine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionRanolazine is not recommended for children below the age of 18. The safety and effectiveness of Ranolazine have not been established in children due to limited testing of this drug on children by competent authorities worldwide.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, maintaining weight, and eating a healthy diet.
- If you suffer from kidney or liver disease, please inform your doctor before taking the Ranolazine.
- Alcohol consumption along with Ranolazine should be avoided as it may cause excessive drowsiness and increase muscle pain.
- As a precautionary measure, junk food items from outside and stick to freshly prepared home-cooked meals for a speedy recovery.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Angina pectoris: Angina pectoris is discomfort in the chest or chest pain that generally occurs due to coronary artery disease (CAD) when you adequate amount of oxygen and blood is not reaching the heart and its muscles. It can also be due to the blockage of the heart's arteries. It helps prevent any further attack of angina by making the heart work more efficiently, but it does not stop an acute attack of angina pectoris.
FAQs
The active substance in Ranolazine is Ranolazine, which reduces sodium ions flow into the heart muscle cells. This interferes with the activity of special channels on the cell surface called 'sodium-dependent calcium channels through which calcium ions normally enter the cells. This reduces the number of calcium ions that enter the cells. Calcium ions normally cause the heart muscle to contract. By reducing the flow of calcium into the cells, Ranolazine is thought to help the heart to relax, improving blood flow to the heart muscle and relieving the symptoms of angina pectoris.
No, Ranolazine does not stop acute attacks (sudden attacks) of angina, but Ranolazine helps prevent a new attack.
No, alcohol should not be taken with Ranolazine as it may lead to unwanted side effects and increase angina attacks.
Yes, smoking (tobacco) decreases the efficacy of Ranolazine, especially when taken for angina (chest pain), so it should be avoided while taking Ranolazine.
Yes, Ranolazine can cause an upset stomach when taken empty stomach. So, to avoid it, Ranolazine should be taken with a meal for best results.
Yes, Ranolazine can cause drowsiness. If you feel excessively sleepy, please consult your doctor for better advice.
