Ranexa (generic name ranolazine) is a medication used to treat severe chest pain, medically known as angina. According to Drugs.com, Ranexa allows better blood flow to your heart. Ranexa is an extended-release tablet that is typically taken two times a day. Do not take more Ranexa than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, Ranexa's common side effects include nausea, headache, constipation and dizziness. Other prevalent side effects are blurry vision, tinnitus (sensation of ringing in your ears), dry mouth and weakness. Contact your doctor if these symptoms persist.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com states that harmful side effects include fainting spells, bloody urine, tremors and trouble breathing. Numbness, muscle weakness, bradycardia (slow heartbeat), tachycardia (fast heartbeat) and palpitations (pounding heartbeat) are other critical side effects. In some cases, you can have tremors, a skin rash and swelling of your hands, feet or ankles. It is crucial you report these symptoms to your doctor; she may discontinue Ranexa and prescribe a safer medication.
Additional Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, less than 0.5 percent of the tested population in a controlled study of chest pain patients developed kidney failure, confusion, pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of your lungs), thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts) and leukopenia (low white blood cells).
Other Concerns
According to the National Library of Medicine, Ranexa should not be used in patients with liver damage or disease. Liver problems may inadvertently increase the concentration of Ranexa in your body and cause serious side effects, such as QT prolongation (a heart rhythm abnormality).
Drugs.com says that it is unknown whether Ranexa can harm your baby in utero and while breastfeeding. Take caution and tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. He will determine whether it is appropriate to continue Ranexa.
You should avoid certain medications, such as verapamil, diltiazem, flucanozole and amiodarone. These medications can interact with Ranexa and lead to the aforementioned serious side effects, such as trouble breathing and a fast heartbeat. Additional medications can interact with Ranexa. Talk to your doctor to find out which medications can cause potential harm.
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