Perhexiline
Perhexiline is a calcium channel blocker primarily used to treat chronic angina in patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate conventional anti-anginal therapy. It works by reducing cardiac workload and improving myocardial efficiency through complex metabolic effects on heart tissue.
Perhexiline is a specialist anti-anginal medication used when standard treatments fail, requiring careful monitoring due to potential serious side effects.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C08EX02
- RxNorm
- 8050
- Generic
- Perhexiline
- Class
- atc-c08
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Perhexiline is used for the treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris, particularly in patients with refractory angina who have not responded adequately to first-line therapies such as beta-blockers, nitrates, and other calcium channel blockers.
Perhexiline acts as a calcium channel blocker to reduce cardiac workload and myocardial oxygen demand. Additionally, it inhibits myocardial carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT), shifting cardiac energy metabolism from fatty acids to carbohydrates, which improves myocardial efficiency and reduces ischemic burden.
Perhexiline has a narrow therapeutic index requiring regular therapeutic drug monitoring to maintain plasma concentrations between 0.15-0.6 mg/L. Common adverse effects include hepatotoxicity (requiring liver function monitoring), peripheral neuropathy, dizziness, and gastrointestinal disturbances. It is generally reserved for use by specialists when conventional anti-anginal agents are insufficient or contraindicated.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy