Ranolazine

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Cardiovascular Agent	Ranexa®	Adult

Ranolazine - What is it for

This medication is used to prevent and treat the symptoms of chest pain (angina). It is usually used for patients who are still experiencing symptoms of chest pain or cannot tolerate other anti-angina medications such as beta-blockers and/or calcium channel blockers.
When you take this medication regularly on a long term basis, it may help to reduce the number of times you experience chest pain.

Ranolazine - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Ranolazine cause?

Headache, dizziness

Try to avoid sudden changes in posture – stand up slowly from sitting or lying position, and sit or lie down if you feel giddy

Constipation, vomiting, nausea
Abnormal physical weakness or lack of energy

Ranolazine may slow down your heartbeats, or cause new irregular heartbeats. Symptoms of abnormal heart rhythm include one or more of the following:

Irregular heartbeat e.g. slowed heartbeat or palpitations (feels like your heart is racing, pounding, skipping a beat)
Severe dizziness or fainting spells

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Ranolazine, what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
You have an abnormal heart condition known as acquired QT interval prolongation.
You have liver or kidney problems.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Ranolazine?

Avoid taking grapefruit or its juice when you are taking this medication as grapefruit may interact with your medication and increase the risk of side-effects.

Some medications may interact with ranolazine and affect their effectiveness or increase the risk of side-effects. However, these medications may also be important for your treatment. Inform your healthcare professional of the other medications you are currently taking. Examples include:

Certain medications used in the treatment of other heart conditions (e.g. verapamil, diltiazem, sotalol, simvastatin)
Cyclosporine, a medication for suppression of the immune system
Medications for viral infections (e.g. ritonavir)
Medications for bacterial infections (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin)
Medications for fungal infections (e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole)

Consult your healthcare professional if you are unsure whether your existing medications can be taken together with this medication.

Ranolazine - Dosage and How to Use

How should Ranolazine be used?

Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
You may take this medication with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break or chew the tablet.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.