Why is Ranexa prescribed?

Ranexa (Ranolazine ER) is used alone or with other medications to treat chronic angina (ongoing chest pain or pressure that is felt when the heart does not get enough oxygen). Ranolazine is in a class of medications called anti-anginal. The exact way that ranolazine works is not known at this time. Ranolazine ER (Generic) is available in addition to the brand name Ranexa. Both brand and generic come in strengths of 375mg, 500mg, 750mg, and 1000mg.

What is the most effective way to take Ranexa?

Take Ranexa exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

• Ranexa may be taken with or without food.
• Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using Ranexa.

Chronic angina is often treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.

Before taking Ranexa, you should know:

• It is not known whether Ranexa will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
• It is not known whether ranolazine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Before taking Ranexa, tell your doctor:

• if you are allergic to ranolazine, or if you have cirrhosis of the liver
• if you use any of the following drugs: clarithromycin; nefazodone; St. John's wort; antifungal medicine - itraconazole, ketoconazole; HIV or AIDS medicine - indinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir; tuberculosis medicine - rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine; or seizure medicine-carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin. Many other drugs can interact with ranolazine and should not be used at the same time.
• if you have: a heart rhythm disorder; liver disease; kidney disease; or a personal or family history of long QT syndrome

Common Side Effects include but are not limited to:

• nausea
• constipation
• headache
• dizziness

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. 

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.

Q: Why is Ranexa prescribed?

A: This medication is used to treat chronic angina

Q: Is there a generic for Ranexa?

A: Yes, Ranolazine ER (Generic) is available for purchase

Q: What if I miss a dose of Ranexa?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Q: What is the usual prescribing dose of Ranexa?

A: The typical starting dose is: 500 mg orally twice daily. If needed, your doctor may increase to 1000 mg orally twice daily.

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: Store Ranexa at room temperature away from moisture and heat.