Ranolazine Usage

Ranolazine is used to prevent chest pain (Angina).

How Ranolazine works

Ranolazine is an anti-anginal medication. It works by decreasing the oxygen requirement of the heart by relaxing heart muscle.

Common side effects of Ranolazine

Nausea, Vomiting, Headache, Dizziness, Constipation, Weakness

Expert advice for Ranolazine

• Ranolazine prevents new attacks of angina but does not stop an acute attack.
• Does not affect heart rate, blood pressure at rest or during exercise.
• Improves HbA1c and blood sugar levels in diabetes patients.
• Avoid driving or using machinery if you feel dizzy after taking Ranolazine.
• May produce changes in the ECG (QTc interval prolongation). It is recommended to get an ECG done 1 to 2 weeks after starting Ranolazine.
• Notify your doctor if you are taking any other medications along with Ranolazine

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. Q. What is Ranolazine extended-release(ER) tablet?
Ranolazine extended release (ER) means the pill is formulated in such a manner that the drug is released slowly over time and blood levels of a drug are more consistent. This has the advantage of taking fewer pills and also with a lesser gastrointestinal side effect.

Ques. Q. Do Ranolazine and trimetazidine act in the same way?
No. Both Ranolazine and trimetazidine are used for the treatment of angina but they work by a different mechanism. Ranolazine works by blocking late sodium current channel during ischemia and thereby lessens the intracellular sodium and calcium overload. This relaxes heart muscles and decreases the oxygen requirement. This helps to prevent angina. Trimetazidine works by improves glucose utilisation of heart cells through inhibition of fatty acid metabolism.

Ques. Q. What is the effect of Ranolazine in patients with coronary artery disease?
The researcher has studied Ranolazine in patients with non-ST-elevation coronary artery disease. It did not reduce the risk of death or recurrent heart attacks in patients, but it improves angina symptoms. It is approved for use in angina.

Ques. Q. Can I use rivaroxaban with Ranolazine?
Yes. Combining these medications can increase the blood levels of rivaroxaban and increase the risk of serious bleeding complications. You may need a dose adjustment. If you have kidney disease, you should inform your doctor before using rivaroxaban together with Ranolazine.

Ques. Q. Can I take Ranolazine for type 2 diabetes?
No. Ranolazine is not approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Study have demonstrated its ability to decrease HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) in patients with or without diabetes. This property may be useful in the treatment of patients having diabetes mellitus and angina.

Ques. Q. Can I take Ranolazine with quetiapine?
No. Using Quetiapine with Ranolazine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening.

Ques. Q. Is Ranolazine good for the heart?
Ranolazine is used in a disease of the heart known as angina. It has been shown to improve exercise-induced chest pain and severity of angina.

Ques. Q. Are any alternatives to Ranolazine?
Yes, there are alternative to Ranolazine e.g.Ivabradine, nicorandil and trimetazidine for effective control of anginal symptoms.

Ques. Q. Can I take Ranolazine with atorvastatin?
Yes. Ranolazine may significantly increase the blood levels of atorvastatin. This can increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage and the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. It can be used with atorvastatin but with dose limitation (atorvastatin) and appropriate clinical monitoring. In some cases, this can cause kidney damage and even death.

Ques. Q. Can I use Ranolazine for the treatment of atrial fibrillation?
No. Ranolazine is not approved for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). The researcher has demonstrated, its usefulness in patients with Atrial Fibrillation(AF) and in nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) in the experimental model.

Ques. Q. Is Ranolazine a beta blocker?
No, Ranolazine is not a beta blocker. It is used in the treatment of angina.

Ques. Q. Can I take Ranolazine with haloperidol?
No. Ranolazine should not be used with haloperidol. It may increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening.

Ques. Q. Is Ranolazine effective in arrhythmia?
No. Ranolazine is not approved for use in any of arrhythmia. The researcher has demonstrated, its usefulness in patients with Atrial Fibrillation(AF) and in nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) in the experimental model.

Ques. Q. What are the contraindications to Ranolazine?
Ranolazine is contraindicated in patients with liver damage (cirrhosis). It should not be given with medicine like ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin.

Ques. Q. Can I use Ranolazine for the treatment of diastolic heart failure?
No. Ranolazine is not used in the treatment of diastolic heart failure. It is used in the treatment of angina.