Ranexa

The active ingredient in Ranexa is ranolazine. Ranexa is an anti-anginal drug. Angina (chest pain) occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen. Ranexa's mechanism of action for treating angina is not fully understood. However, it is thought to improve cardiac function by altering the flow of electrolytes. This may help reduce angina symptoms without significantly affecting your blood pressure.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-approved product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Ranexa. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Ranexa:

• You can take Ranexa pills with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break it.
• Chronic angina is usually treated with a mix of medications. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without consulting your healthcare provider first.
• Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• You may require medical tests to monitor your heart and kidney function.

The most common side effects of Ranexa include:

• Dizziness.
• Headaches.
• Constipation.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Dry mouth.
• Increased heart rate or irregular heartbeats.
• Stomach pain.
• Swelling.
• Hives.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Ranexa. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Abnormal heart rhythm: dizziness, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and fainting.
• Serious kidney problems: fatigue, blood or foam in your urine, peeing more frequently, muscle tightness, swelling feet or ankles, low appetite.
• Allergic reaction: skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Ranexa. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Ranexa, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• If you have had an allergic reaction to ranolazine or have cirrhosis of the liver, you should not take Ranexa.
• If you have ever had long QT syndrome or QT prolongation (in yourself or a family member), liver disease, heart disease, renal disease, or low levels of potassium or magnesium, tell your doctor before using this medication.
• Certain medications can cause serious drug interactions when used in conjunction with Ranexa. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all of the medications you are currently taking as well as any new medications you begin or discontinue.
• Ranexa should not be used to treat an acute (emergency) bout of chest discomfort.
• Continue to take any other medications prescribed by your doctor, such as nitroglycerin, to manage acute chest pain.
• Chronic angina is generally treated with a mix of medications. To best treat your problem, take all of your medications as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change your dosing or prescription schedule without speaking to your healthcare provider.
• Avoid driving or engaging in dangerous activities until you know how this medication may affect you. Your reactions may be hindered.
• Grapefruit juice may interact with ranolazine, resulting in undesirable side effects. Avoid using grapefruit products.
• Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6, such as tricyclic antidepressants, diltiazem, erythromycin, and verapamil may need to be provided at lower doses when combined with ranolazine.

Contraindications are certain health problems or situations in which a person should avoid taking a drug for safety reasons. If you have any of the below conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare professional because Ranolazine (Ranexa) is not safe for you to take.

• Liver cirrhosis.
• Taking certain medications that cause serious drug interactions.

Ranexa can help reduce the risk of chest pain and enhance your ability to exercise. However, you may not see a difference for several weeks or months.

When Ranexa is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Clarithromycin.
• Nefazodone.
• St. John's Wort.
• Digoxin.
• Metformin.
• Antifungal medications such as itraconazole, fluconazole, and ketoconazole.
• HIV or AIDS medications include indinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir.
• Seizure medications include carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin; alternatively.
• Tuberculosis medications include rifabutin, rifampin, and rifapentine.
• Certain medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin.
• Drugs that prolong the QTc interval such as quinidine, dofetilide, sotalol, and amiodarone.
• Certain medicines used to prevent transplanted organ rejection like cyclosporine, tacrolimus, or sirolimus.

The typical starting dose for extended-release tablets and oral granules is 500 mg taken by mouth twice a day. Depending on how you respond to the drug, your provider may increase the dose to a maximum of 1,000 mg twice daily.

If you missed a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two dosages at the same time.

Store Ranexa in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children as well.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Ranexa is Gilead Sciences, Inc.

There are several lower-cost generics of the brand name Ranexa available with the active ingredient of ranolazine.

Even if you are feeling fine, continue to take Ranexa. Do not discontinue taking Ranexa without consulting your doctor.

It is not known if Ranexa will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is not known whether Ranexa is found in breast milk or what effects it can have on your breastfeeding infant. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.