Ranexa (generic name: ranolazine) is an oral medication prescribed to treat myocardial ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart muscle) that may result in chest pain (angina) and irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Ranexa works by changing electrical currents in heart muscle cells, which helps reduce ischemia and angina symptoms and works towards the prevention of myocardial infarction (heart attack). It does not directly affect blood pressure. However, it has also shown promise in treating heart failure.
Ranexa has been found to be especially beneficial in women with ischemic heart disease by reducing angina symptoms, Dosage and administration Doctors set the dose based on the patient’s specific clinical symptoms and other factors, such as concomitant medications. For adults, the typical starting dose of Ranexa is 500 mg, taken orally twice a day. It can be taken with or without food.
If a dose is missed, it can be taken within a few hours of the missed schedule, but do not double-dose to make up for any missed dose.
Side Effects: This text is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication. Some of the common side effects of Ranexa that have been reported are: dizziness spinning sensation nausea or vomiting stomach pain, constipation headache dry mouth weakness ringing in the ears, edema (swelling) of the hands, ankles or feet irregular heartbeats tremors blood in the urine shortness of breath. If these persist or worsen, talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist. If any of the following serious side effects occur, seek medical care or call 911 at once: Vision changes such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision or seeing halos around lights Eye pain or swelling Heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady Stiff muscles High fever, profuse sweating, or tremors. Before starting to use, read the manufacturer’s Product Insert that comes with the medication. Please note that not all side effects have been listed here. Consult a healthcare provider if you experience any of these or other unexpected side effects.
Indication: Ranexa is prescribed for the treatment of chronic angina (chest pain) and myocardial ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart muscle). It works by inhibiting the late sodium current in cardiac cells. It can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other medications like nitrates, beta-blockers, and ARBs to manage the symptoms of ischemia. Ranexa can significantly improve exercise duration and reduce the time to exercise-induced myocardial ischemia, making it a practical option for those with chronic angina. Myocardial ischemia is caused by an insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle, often due to coronary artery disease. It can lead to chest pain (angina) and can potentially cause myocardial infarction (heart attack). The FDA has approved Ranexa to treat chronic angina, typically used when other therapies have not provided sufficient relief from angina symptoms.
