This time we will learn about Ranolazine. This is an anti-angina drug, the way it works is to increase blood flow so that the heart can work more optimally and efficiently.
Ranolazine is usually used to cure angina at a serious level (serious chest pain). This drug is not intended to be used during an acute attack on angina.
It can also be used for other purposes, which are not listed in this guide.
Side Effects of Consuming Ranolazine (Ranexa)?
There are certain side effects that occur when you take this medicine. Among the side effects that can occur are itching,
impaired breathing (difficulty breathing), swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.
If you experience the following when taking ranolazine, call your doctor immediately.
- Having a dizzy feeling like fainting
- Chest pain, severe headache or dizziness, rapid heart debating.
- Can also experience kidney problems, painful urination, difficulty urinating, swollen feet, shortness of breath, and feeling tired.
Some common side effects occur when consuming ranolazine.
- Constipation, nausea,
- Head switch, or dizzy
These are just a few forms of side effects, there are many other side effects that can occur when taking this drug, so always be aware and contact your doctor immediately when you experience anecdotal things while taking this drug.
If you find other side effects, you can report them to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Also see: Praluent Side Effects, Dosage, Warnings
Important things to know about ranolazine (Ranexa)
If you have liver cirrhosis, you should not consume ranolazine.
Serious interactions can occur when taken together with other drugs. Explain to the doctor about your current health condition and also tell what medicine you are taking, you have just taken or the drug you have stopped.
Before consuming ranolazine (Ranexa), what should you discuss?
If you have cirrhosis or allergic to drugs, you should not use this medicine.
Be careful with other drugs that you are taking, ranolazine can interact with some of the following drugs:
- Clarithromycin;
- St. John’s wort;
- Nefazodone;
- HIV or AIDS medicine – indinavir, lopinavir / ritonavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir;
- Antifungal medicine – itraconazole, ketoconazole;
- Tuberculosis medicine – rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine; or
- Seizure medicine-carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin.
If you have a health problem like the one below, tell your doctor. This is important so that you are safe to consume ranolazine. The following diseases you must tell your doctor when you want to use ranolazine.
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Kidney illness
- Have a family or personal history of long QT syndrome.
If you want to consume this drug, and you want to get pregnant or are pregnant, tell the doctor about the condition so that nothing unexpected happens.
See more: Levemir (Insulin Detemir), Dosage, Side Effects and Interactions
It is not yet known whether ranolazine can enter breast milk or harm the baby. Then, tell the doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby, so the doctor can consider the possibility of that happening.
How should I take ranolazine (Ranexa)?
Taking this drug must always obey the doctor’s prescription. Doctors can sometimes change the dosage to see the changes that occur. So, never consume more than the dose given, or less than the dose given.
This medicine can be consumed with food or without food
Do not chew or destroy the tablets, swallow them whole.
Notify your doctor immediately if symptoms do not change (do not improve or not worsen)
This is a chronic angina drug and the treatment is usually done in combination with medication. So, if many drugs are given by a doctor, use them all. Don’t forget to read the instructions given by the doctor regarding the consumption of each of these drugs.
Do not change the schedule for taking medication, including not changing the dose except on the advice of a doctor.
Store in a room with room temperature not hot and not humid.
What happens if overdose on Ranexa?
Call emergency medical assistance immediately or call the poison assistance number at 1-800-222-1222.
Ranexa overdoses usually experience nausea, vomiting, numbness, dizziness, pins and needles, double vision, and even fainting.
What should be avoided when consuming ranolazine (Ranexa)?
Ranolazine can disturb your mind, so don’t drive if you are taking ranolazine, and avoid everything that needs caution.
Grapefruit and anything that is combined with grapefruit can react with this medicine, and can cause unwanted side effects. If you use a product made from grapefruit, discuss it with your doctor.
Medicines that can interact with ranolazine (Ranexa)?
There are so many drugs that can interact with ranolazine, sometimes it may not be listed here, so the solution is to tell the doctor all types of drugs that you are using. Stop using other medications while taking these angina medications, especially the following drugs:
- Anti-biotic or anti-fungal drugs
- Obaat lai to treat heart disease
- Medication to reduce cholesterol
- Medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection;
- Diabetes medication;
- Medicine to treat a mental illness,
- Medicine to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or radiation
These are just a few types of drugs, many other drugs that interact with ranolazine. These include over-the-counter medicines, supplements, vitamins and even herbal products.
Tell the doctor all types of drugs that you are currently using, supplements or vitamins.