Product Description

Ranolazine Extended Release Tablets 500mg IP is used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat chronic stable angina pectoris. Angina pectoris is chest discomfort or pain that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, often due to coronary artery disease (CAD) or blockage of the heart’s arteries. This medicine helps prevent angina attacks by improving the heart’s efficiency and oxygen utilization.

The active ingredient, Ranolazine, reduces the late sodium current in heart muscle cells. This action decreases intracellular calcium overload by limiting sodium-dependent calcium influx through sodium-calcium exchange channels. By reducing calcium entry, Ranolazine helps the heart muscle relax, improving blood flow and relieving angina symptoms.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage based on your medical condition. Common side effects include constipation, dizziness, headache, and nausea. Most side effects are mild and tend to resolve over time. If side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Uses

1. Treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris

2. Used as an add-on therapy when angina is not adequately controlled by beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, or when these drugs are contraindicated

How it works

Ranolazine works by selectively inhibiting the late phase of the inward sodium current in cardiac cells. This reduces calcium overload in the heart muscle, improving myocardial relaxation and oxygen efficiency without significantly affecting heart rate or blood pressure. This mechanism differs from other anti-anginal drugs like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers.

Benefits

1. Reduces the frequency and severity of angina attacks

2. Decreases the need for nitroglycerin use for symptom relief

3. Improves exercise tolerance and quality of life in patients with chronic stable angina

4. Effective as an add-on therapy when other anti-anginal medications are insufficient or contraindicated

5. Does not significantly lower heart rate or blood pressure, making it suitable for patients who cannot tolerate such effects

How to use

Take Ranolazine Extended Release Tablets 500mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with water. It can be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Usually taken twice daily at consistent times.

Side Effects

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Constipation

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Weakness (asthenia)

Safety Advice

• Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Ranolazine, as it may increase side effects such as dizziness.

• Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems before starting treatment.

• Ranolazine may prolong the QT interval on an ECG, which can lead to serious heart rhythm disturbances; regular monitoring may be required.

• Do not take Ranolazine if you have severe liver impairment or severe kidney disease.

• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they can increase Ranolazine blood levels and risk of side effects.

• Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially strong CYP3A inhibitors or inducers, P-glycoprotein inhibitors, and certain cholesterol-lowering drugs, as these can interact with Ranolazine.

Storage Conditions

• Store at a temperature below 86°F (30 °C).

FAQs

How does Ranolazine work?

Ranolazine inhibits the late sodium current in heart muscle cells, reducing calcium overload and improving heart muscle relaxation and oxygen efficiency without significantly affecting heart rate or blood pressure.

How should this medication be taken?

Swallow the extended-release tablets whole with water, with or without food, usually twice daily at consistent times. Do not crush or chew.

What should be done if a dose is missed?

Take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Can Ranolazine be stopped when symptoms improve?

Consult your doctor before stopping Ranolazine, as sudden discontinuation may worsen angina symptoms.

What are the common side effects?

Dizziness, headache, constipation, nausea, and weakness.

What are the serious side effects of Ranolazine?

Rarely, Ranolazine can cause heart rhythm changes (prolonged QT interval), kidney problems in severe cases, or allergic reactions.

Who should not take Ranolazine?

Patients with severe liver impairment, severe kidney disease, or those taking strong CYP3A inhibitors or inducers should avoid Ranolazine.

What other medications should be avoided or used with caution?

Avoid strong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin), inducers (e.g., rifampin), and certain cholesterol medications (e.g., simvastatin) without medical advice.

Should any food or beverages be avoided?

Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it can increase the level of Ranolazine in your blood and raise the risk of side effects. 

Can alcohol be consumed while taking Ranolazine?

Limit or avoid alcohol, as it can increase side effects like dizziness. 

Can Ranolazine be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

The safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not fully known. Discuss the potential benefits and risks with a doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.