Ranexa
 = Prescription Required
 = Generic Equvalent
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Ranexa Prescription Drug Information
Ranolazine (By mouth)
Ranolazine (ra-NOE-la-zeen)
Treats or prevents angina (chest pain). Ranexa should be used together with amlodipine (Norvasc®), beta-blockers (metoprolol, atenolol), or nitrates (Imdur®).
Brand Name(s):Ranexa
There may be other brand names for Ranexa. When Ranexa Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Ranexa if you have had an allergic reaction to ranolazine, or if you have liver disease, history of certain heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation), or if you are using aprepitant (Emend®), arsenic trioxide (Trisenox®), cisapride (Propulsid®), medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as amiodarone, dofetilide, quinidine, sotalol, Betapace®, Cordarone®, or Tikosyn®), medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, nefazodone, nortriptyline, Elavil®, Pamelor®, Prozac®, Sarafem®, Serzone®, or Vivactil®), certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin, Avelox®, Biaxin®, Levaquin®, or Zagam®), or medicine to treat mental illness (such as haloperidol, mesoridazine, pimozide, prochlorperazine, quetiapine, thioridazine, ziprasidone, Compazine®, Geodon®, Haldol®, Mellaril®, Orap®, Serentil®, or Seroquel®). Do not use Ranexa if you are also using carbamazepine (Tegretol®), diltiazem (Cardizem®, Dilacor®, Tiazac®), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin®), rifabutin (Mycobutin®), rifampin (Rifadin®, Rimactane®), rifapentin (Priftin®), verapamil (Calan®, Isoptin®, Verelan®), medicine to treat fungus infections (such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, Diflucan®, Nizoral®, or Sporanox®), medicine to treat HIV or AIDS (such as indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, Crixivan®, Fortovase®, Invirase®, Norvir®, or Viracept®), or St. John's wort. How to Use Ranexa:
Long Acting Tablet
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Your doctor will tell you how much of Ranexa to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
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Do not use Ranexa to treat sudden onset of chest pain.
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You may take Ranexa with or without food.
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Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
If a dose of Ranexa is missed:
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If you miss a dose of Ranexa, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
How to Store and Dispose of Ranexa:
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Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
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Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
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Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Ranexa:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
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You must avoid many other medicines while you are using ranolazine. Using these medicines together could cause serious health problems. Some of the medicines you need to avoid are cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®), dextromethorphan, digoxin (Lanoxin®), or simvastatin (Zocor®). There could be more medicines you cannot use. This includes herbs, supplements, and medicine you can buy without a prescription (over-the-counter). Ask your doctor before you use any other medicine.
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Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using Ranexa.
Warnings While Using Ranexa:
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, low potassium in your blood, or a family history of a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome.
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Ranexa can cause a change in heart rhythm called prolongation of the QTc interval. This condition may change the way your heart beats and can cause palpitations or fainting spells. Check with your doctor right away if you start having any of these symptoms.
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Ranexa may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. You may also feel lightheaded when standing or sitting up straight, so stand up or sit up slowly.
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Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Ranexa. Be sure to keep all appointments.
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If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
Possible Side Effects While Using Ranexa:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
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Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
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Blurred vision.
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Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
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Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
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Rapid weight gain.
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Red or dark brown urine.
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Severe or increased chest pain.
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Shortness of breath or troubled breathing.
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Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Ranexa, talk with your doctor:
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Constipation, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
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Dry mouth.
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Headache.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Ranexa, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
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