Late sodium current inhibitors
Late sodium current inhibitors are prescription medicines used as an add-on in long-term angina when other medicines do not control it enough. Ranolazine is the main example. They do not lower heart rate or blood pressure much. They can cause dizziness and constipation and may affect the heart's electrical trace (QT).
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How do Late sodium current inhibitors work?
Ranolazine blocks a late inward sodium current in heart muscle cells. This limits the build-up of sodium and calcium in the cells when the heart is short of oxygen, so the heart relaxes better and angina is reduced without a large change in pulse or blood pressure.
Active ingredients of this type
These active ingredients belong to Late sodium current inhibitors. They are listed A to Z.
- Ranolazine: Ranolazine is a prescription medicine used as an add-on for long-term angina when other medicines do not control it enough or cannot be tolerated.
Common questions
Why is ranolazine added to other angina medicines?
The EMA authorises it as an add-on when first-line medicines such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers do not control angina enough or are not tolerated. A doctor decides when it suits a person.
Does ranolazine interact with other medicines?
Yes, with many. Some medicines used for infections, epilepsy or HIV must not be combined, and simvastatin and metformin may need limits. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal products such as St. John's wort.
Sources
- Ranexa (ranolazine): EPAR medicine overview. European Medicines Agency
- Ranolazine extended-release tablets: prescribing information (Zydus). DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- ATC/DDD Index: C01EB Other cardiac preparations. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission