Ranolazine
Uses of Ranolazine
Ranolazine is commonly used in the treatment of Angina Heart Related Chest Pain.
How Ranolazine Works
Ranolazine is an anti-anginal drug. It inhibits the late Na current and other cardiac ion channels and transporters. It reduces the magnitude of the late Na current resulting in reduction intracellular Na concentrations, reversal of Ca overload, restoration of ventricular pump function, and prevention of ischaemia-induced arrhythmias.
Side Effects of Ranolazine
Nausea and vomiting, Dizziness, Headache, Constipation, Palpitations, Vertigo, Visual disturbances, Tinnitus, Dry Mouth, Abdominal pain, Hypotension, Haematuria
Warnings
Kidney High Risk
Ranolazine should be used with caution in patients with mild and moderate kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Ranolazine may be needed. However, for patients with creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min, Ranolazine is contraindicated. Please consult your doctor.
Alcohol Not Advisable
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Ranolazine because it may worsen the side effects of Ranolazine such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and palpitations.
Pregnancy Not Safe
Ranolazine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown adverse reactions on the fetus, however, there are limited human studies. Hence, it is only used when clearly necessary. Please consult your doctor.
Driving Not advisable
There are no studies of Ranolazine on driving ability. However, it may cause some side effects which may affect driving ability. Do not drive when not feeling well.
Liver Limited Data
Ranolazine should be used with caution in patients with a history of liver disease. Dose adjustment of Ranolazine may be needed in mild liver impairment. However, Ranolazine is contraindicated for patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment. Please consult your doctor.
Lactation Limited Data
No reports explaining the use of Ranolazine for breastfeeding mothers are available. Animal studies have shown the excretion of Ranolazine in milk. Therefore, it should not be used during breast-feeding as we may not know the side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
