Ranolazine

Ranolazine is a medication used to treat chronic angina, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It is typically prescribed when other angina medications have not been effective or are not tolerated. Ranolazine works by affecting the electrical activity of the heart muscle, specifically by reducing the sodium influx into cells. This reduction in sodium flow helps to improve the heart muscle's efficiency and reduce the symptoms of angina. It is taken orally, usually twice a day, with or without food.

The effectiveness of ranolazine in treating chronic angina has been demonstrated in clinical trials. It has been shown to reduce the frequency of angina episodes and improve exercise tolerance in patients. However, it does not typically improve blood pressure or heart rate, which are common targets for other anti-anginal drugs. Ranolazine is metabolized in the liver, and its levels can be affected by other medications that are also metabolized by the same enzymes, requiring careful consideration of drug interactions.

Common side effects associated with ranolazine include dizziness, nausea, constipation, and headache. More serious side effects are rare but can include liver problems and prolongation of the QT interval on an electrocardiogram, which can increase the risk of certain heart rhythm abnormalities. Ranolazine is not recommended for patients with severe liver disease or certain heart conditions. Its use requires a prescription from a healthcare professional who can assess its appropriateness for an individual patient based on their medical history and current medications.