Ranolazine: a novel agent that improves dysfunctional sodium channels

Abstract

Treatment for coronary heart disease is usually directed at either increasing myocardial oxygen supply or decreasing myocardial oxygen demand. Although combination therapy with beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers and nitrates are effective, many patients suffer from adverse effects of hypotension and bradycardia. Ranolazine is a novel medication that reduces ischaemia by preventing sodium induced calcium overload in myocardial cells without adversely affecting haemodynamic parameters. This agent is the first in the USA to be approved to treat angina in over 10 years. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical trials for safety and efficacy, precautions, adverse effects, drug interactions, and dosage and administration of ranolazine in the treatment of chronic stable angina and acute coronary syndrome.