How do you take Ranolazine?

Start with one 500 mg tablet twice a day (morning and evening). Your doctor may increase this to 1000 mg twice a day depending on how you respond. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, break, or chew it. You can take it with or without food, but avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

What are the side effects of Ranolazine?

Dizziness or feeling lightheaded, constipation (difficulty passing stool), nausea or feeling like you want to vomit, headache, general body weakness

Who should not take Ranolazine?

People with severe liver disease (like liver cirrhosis), people with severe kidney problems, people already taking strong medicines that interact with ranolazine (like ketoconazole, HIV protease inhibitors, or clarithromycin), and anyone who has had an allergic reaction to ranolazine before.

Prescription

Anti-anginal (heart pain reliever)

Ranolazine

Last reviewed July 2026

Who is this for?

For adults (18+). Standard adult dosing applies: see the How to Take tab for full instructions.

What is this drug?

Ranolazine is a heart medication that works by improving blood flow to the heart muscle, helping it get more oxygen even when the blood vessels are narrowed. It does this by changing how the heart uses energy, without significantly lowering your heart rate or blood pressure.

How it works

Inhibits the late phase of the inward sodium current in cardiac myocytes, reducing intracellular calcium overload and improving myocardial energy metabolism without affecting heart rate or blood pressure. This mechanism enhances cardiac efficiency and reduces ischemia-induced chest pain in patients with chronic angina.

What is it used for?

Chronic chest pain (angina), that squeezing or tight feeling in the chest that comes with heart disease, especially when other heart medicines have not worked well enough

Browse by condition

Heart Conditions Heart Rhythm Disorders

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Only buy from licensed pharmacies; do not purchase heart medications from roadside sellers or unverified sources, as fake drugs are dangerous for your heart. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. This is a prescription drug, so do not share it with anyone else, even if they have similar chest pain symptoms.

Common Side Effects

Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
constipation (difficulty passing stool)
nausea or feeling like you want to vomit
headache
general body weakness

Serious Side Effects

Fainting or feeling like you are about to faint: see a doctor immediately. Irregular or fast heartbeat (palpitations) that feels different from your usual symptoms. Swelling of the face
lips
or throat with difficulty breathing: this could be a serious allergic reaction
go to the hospital right away.

Drug Interactions

Do not take ranolazine with ketoconazole or itraconazole (common antifungal drugs used in Nigeria) as they can dangerously increase ranolazine levels in your blood. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they can also increase the drug's effect and cause side effects. Tell your doctor if you are taking any heart medicines like amlodipine, diltiazem, or digoxin as doses may need adjustment.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Ranolazine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing a baby.

Who Should NOT Take This

People with severe liver disease (like liver cirrhosis)
people with severe kidney problems
people already taking strong medicines that interact with ranolazine (like ketoconazole, HIV protease inhibitors, or clarithromycin)
and anyone who has had an allergic reaction to ranolazine before.

How to Store

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be very hot, so do not leave it in your car or near a window. Keep it in a cool, dry place and always out of reach of children.

For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.