Rancad (Ranolazine 500mg)

Rancad general information

What is Rancad used for?

Rancad tablets 500mg are used to treat chronic stable angina in patients who are not adequately controlled by other medications alone or who cannot tolerate other medications due to side effects.  Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease, also known as ischemic heart disease, in which there is insufficient blood flow to the heart due to blocked arteries, resulting in a lack of oxygen to the heart muscles and this causes chest pains.  Rancad extended release tablets 500mg increase oxygen supply to the heart and helps the heart work more efficiently, which relieves symptoms of chronic stable angina and reduces the risk of heart attack.  Rancad tablets 500mg can be used in conjunction with other anti-angina medications including beta blockers or calcium channel blockers, but should not be used to treat acute attack of angina. 

How does Rancad work?

Rancad tablets 500mg contain ranolazine, a sodium channel inhibitor that is used to treat chronic stable angina.  Ranolazine in Rancad tablets 500mg works through a novel mechanism to increase oxygen supply to the heart.  Sodium and calcium ions enter heart muscle cells (myocytes) through specific ion channels and cause myocyte contraction.  When heart muscle cells are starved of oxygen due to insufficient oxygen supply, ventricular tension increases (a measure of cardiac oxygen consumption), which increases need for oxygen.  Ranolazine in Rancad tablets 500mg blocks the late phase of flow of sodium ions into the myocyte after a contraction, which also reduces inflow of calcium ions, which reduces ventricular tension and causes myocardial (heart muscle) relaxation and thereby, a reduction in oxygen consumption.  This action of ranolazine in Rancad tablets 500mg reduces symptoms of angina like chest pains, without changing heart rate or blood pressure, or vasodilation (relaxation and widening of blood vessels).  Rancad tablets 500mg are formulated for extended release.

What does Rancad contain?

Rancad tablets 500mg contain the active ingredient ranolazine, a sodium channel inhibitor that is used to treat chronic stable angina in patients who are not adequately controlled by other medications alone or who cannot tolerate other medications due to side effects. 

Treating angina with Rancad

Rancad tablets 500mg contain ranolazine, a sodium channel inhibitor that is used to treat chronic stable angina in patients who are not adequately controlled by other medications alone or who cannot tolerate other medications due to side effects and can be used alone or in conjunction with other anti-angina medications.  Angina is a caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart due to blocked arteries, resulting in a lack of oxygen to the heart muscles and this causes chest pains.  Ranolazine in Rancad tablets 500mg works through a novel mechanism, which blocks the inflow of sodium ions into the myocyte (heart cell) after a contraction, which also reduces inflow of calcium ions, which causes myocardial (heart muscle) relaxation and thereby, a reduction in oxygen consumption.  This action ranolazine in Rancad tablets 500mg increases oxygen supply to the heart, which reduces symptoms of angina like chest pains. 

What are the side effects of Rancad?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Rancad include constipation, vomiting, nausea, headache dizziness, asthenia (weakness).

When should Rancad not be used?

You should not use Rancad tablets 500mg if you:

• are allergic to ranolazine or any ingredients in Rancad
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• heart failure or an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG)
• are elderly due to increased risk of side effects
• have low weight (60 kg or less).
• are taking medicines that interact with Rancad including the antiepileptics carbamazepine and phenytoin, St. John's Wort for mood disorders, antifungals like ketoconazole, HIV protease inhibitors like ritonavir, antiarrythmics like quinidine, calcium channel blockers like diltiazem or verapamil, the immunosuppressant ciclosporin and tacrolimus, digoxin for heart failure, statins for high cholesterol, grapefruit juice

What medications interact with Rancad?

Several medications interact with Rancad tablets 500mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Rancad or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that affect Rancad: the antiepileptics carbamazepine and phenytoin, St. John's Wort for mood disorders, antifungals like ketoconazole, antibiotics like clarithromycin, HIV protease inhibitors like ritonavir, calcium channel blockers like diltiazem or verapamil, the immunosuppressant ciclosporin, grapefruit juice
• Drugs that are affected by Rancad: digoxin for heart failure, statins for high cholesterol, the immunosuppressants ciclosporin and tacrolimus

How should Rancad be taken?

You should take your Rancad tablets 500mg swallowed whole, twice daily, with or without food.  After 2-4 weeks, your doctor may alter your dose depending on how well you respond and any side effects.  You should continue to take your Rancad tablets 500mg for as long as recommended by your doctor. 

How long should you take Rancad?

You should continue to take your Rancad tablets 500mg for as long as recommended by your doctor. 

Missed dose of Rancad

If you miss a dose of Rancad tablets 500mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Rancad be stored?

You should store your Rancad tablets 500mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.