Skip to content

Ranolazine

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Ranolazine is an antianginal medication used to treat chronic angina (chest pain). Unlike many other heart medications, it provides relief without reducing heart rate or blood pressure. Its exact mechanism of action remains not fully determined.

Quick summary

A second-line antianginal medication for chronic angina that works independently of heart rate and blood pressure effects.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
C01EB18
RxNorm
35829
Generic
Ranolazine
Class
atc-c01
Brands
Aspruzyo, Ranexa
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.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Consult local poison control center for specific information
Chronic overdose: Varies by patient
Immediate actions
Call poison control center: 1-800-222-1222
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

13 groups
⚠

pregnancy

first trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

use only if potential benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring recommended

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

second trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

continue only if benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

fetal growth monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

third trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

discontinue before delivery if possible

Monitor

fetal monitoring and assessment for preterm labor

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

lactation

breastfeeding
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

decision to breastfeed should consider infant exposure and maternal need for drug

Monitor

monitor infant for excessive sleepiness or feeding problems

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

geriatric

elderly 65 plus
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

start at lower end of dosing range

Key Recommendations

use lower initial dose and titrate slowly, monitor renal function

Monitor

regular monitoring of renal function and blood pressure

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

?

pediatric_age

children under 18
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not established

Key Recommendations

not recommended, safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients

Monitor

not applicable

✓

renal_impairment

mild
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

no dose adjustment required for mild renal impairment

Monitor

periodic renal function monitoring

⚠

renal_impairment

moderate
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

use cautiously, consider dose reduction in some patients

Monitor

regular monitoring of renal function

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

renal_impairment

severe
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

avoid use

Key Recommendations

not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min)

Monitor

renal function monitoring if used

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

mild
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

use with caution, no specific dose adjustment

Monitor

monitor for adverse effects

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

moderate
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

dose reduction recommended

Key Recommendations

reduce maximum daily dose to 750mg, use with caution

Monitor

regular liver function monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

hepatic_impairment

severe
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

contraindicated

Key Recommendations

contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment

Monitor

not applicable

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

alcohol_users

chronic heavy alcohol
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

avoid or limit alcohol

Key Recommendations

avoid concomitant alcohol consumption, may increase risk of hypotension and dizziness

Monitor

monitor blood pressure, watch for orthostatic symptoms

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

FDA approval year

Value:2006

FDA approval for Ranexa (ranolazine) for chronic angina

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Antianginal agent

ATC code C01EB02 - other antianginal agents

usageFDA
2023

Primary indication

Value:Chronic angina

Treatment of chronic angina pectoris

mechanismFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Late sodium current inhibitor

Reduces sodium influx during ischemia reducing diastolic tension

Treatment of chronic angina as add-on therapy when first-line antianginal medications are insufficient or not tolerated.

Anti-ischemic and antianginal effects occur without reducing heart rate or blood pressure. The exact molecular mechanism has not been fully determined, but it does not affect the rate-pressure product.

Used as second-line therapy, typically added to standard antianginal treatments. The precise mechanism of action remains undetermined, making it a unique option among cardiovascular drugs. Safety monitoring and appropriate patient selection are essential.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

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 July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy