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Ranolazine

(ra noe' la zeen)

Why is this medication prescribed?   Return to top

Ranolazine is used alone or with other medications to treat ongoing angina (chest pain or pressure that is felt when the heart does not get enough oxygen). Ranolazine is in a class of medications called anti-anginals. The exact way that ranolazine works is not known at this time.

How should this medicine be used?   Return to top

Ranolazine comes as an extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food two times a day. Take ranolazine at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ranolazine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the tablets whole; do not break, chew, or crush them.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of ranolazine and gradually increase your dose.

Do not take ranolazine to treat a sudden attack of angina. Your doctor will tell you what you should do if you experience an attack of angina. Make sure that you understand these directions.

Ranolazine may help control your condition but will not cure it. Continue to take ranolazine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ranolazine without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine   Return to top

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?   Return to top

Before taking ranolazine,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ranolazine or any other medications.
• tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications: clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac); certain antifungals such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole (Nizoral); certain medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) such as indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), and saquinavir (Invirase); nefazodone; certain medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, others), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate); and rifapentin (Priftin). Also tell your doctor if you are taking St. John's wort. Your doctor may tell you not to take ranolazine if you are taking one or more of these medications or herbal products.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone); certain antidepressants such as amitriptyline, clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), and imipramine (Tofranil); aprepitant (Emend); cisapride (Propulsid) (not available in the US); cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune); digoxin (Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin); diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac, others); disopyramide (Norpace); dofetilide (Tikosyn); erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin); fluconazole (Diflucan); certain medications for mental illness such as haloperidol (Haldol), risperidone (Risperdal), thioridazine, and ziprasidone (Geodon); moxifloxacin (Avelox); pimozide (Orap); procainamide; quinidine; sotalol (Betapace); sparfloxacin (Zagam) (not available in the US); and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, others). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with ranolazine, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list or the list above.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease. Your doctor may tell you that you should not take ranolazine.
• tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had a prolonged QT interval (a rare heart problem that may cause fainting or irregular heartbeat) or a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an abnormal electrocardiogram (EKG: heart rhythm test), low levels of potassium in the blood, or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking ranolazine, call your doctor.
• you should know that ranolazine may make you dizzy and lightheaded. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or participate in activities requiring mental alertness and coordination until you know how this medication affects you.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?   Return to top

Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit products while taking this medication.

What should I do if I forget a dose?   Return to top

Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?   Return to top

Ranolazine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea
• constipation
• headache
• dizziness

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• difficulty breathing
• fainting

Ranolazine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?   Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose   Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• dizziness
• confusion
• double vision
• pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in any part of the body
• fainting

What other information should I know?   Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names   Return to top

Last Revised - 04/01/2009

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

AHFS^® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2009. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

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