FDA Approves Gilead's Ranexa

Ranexa is an anti-anginal medication.

It works by improving blood flow to help the heart work more efficiently.

Ranexa is used to treat chronic angina (chronic chest pain). It may be used with beta-blockers, nitrates, calcium channel blockers, anti-platelet therapy, lipid-lowering therapy, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers.

Ranexa (ranolazine) is an orally-available, extended release anti-ischemic/anti-anginal drug, designed to act without reducing heart rate or blood pressure.

Ranexa is specifically indicated for the treatment of chronic angina in patients who have failed to respond to prior angina therapy. It is contraindicated in patients with pre-existing QT interval prolongation (see Side Effects section, below).

Ranexa is supplied as a film-coated extended release tablet. Recommended initial dosing is 500 mg twice daily; this may be escalated to a maximum dose of 1000 mg twice daily, based on disease response.

Ranolazine, sold under the trade name Ranexa by Gilead Sciences (who acquired the developer, CV Therapeutics in 2009), is an antianginal medication. In India it is sold under the name "Ranozex". On January 31, 2006, ranolazine was approved for use in the United States by the FDA for the treatment of chronic angina pectoris

Ranexa is a prescription medication used to treat adults with chronic angina. Chronic angina is chest pain, discomfort, or pressure that is brought on by exercise, extreme temperatures, mental or emotional stress, or walking in cold weather, uphill, or after eating. Ranexa can help to reduce the number of angina attacks if taken as prescribed, but it does not stop angina attacks once they have started.