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Ranexa Side Effects
Although it can be difficult to predict whether you will develop side effects while taking Ranexa, some of the most commonly reported problems include dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Fortunately, reactions such as these tend to be mild and treated easily. However, this drug can also cause potentially serious problems, such as allergic reactions or an irregular heart rhythm, which require immediate medical treatment.
An Introduction to Ranexa Side Effects
Just like any medicine, Ranexa® (ranolazine) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Ranexa. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
Common Side Effects of Ranexa
Ranexa has been studied extensively in clinical trials. In these studies, one group of people received the real medication, while another group was given a placebo (a "sugar pill" that does not contain any active ingredients). As a result, it is possible to see what Ranexa side effects occurred, how often they appeared, and how they compared to the group who took the placebo.In these studies, the most common Ranexa side effects included:
- Dizziness -- in up to 6.2 percent of people
- Headache -- up to 5.5 percent
- Constipation -- up to 4.5 percent
- Nausea -- up to 4.4 percent.
Other common side effects, occurring in 0.5 percent to 2 percent of people, included but were not limited to:
- A slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (heart palpitations)
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- A spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Abdominal (stomach) pain
- Dry mouth
- Vomiting
- Swelling/water retention in the extremities
- Shortness of breath
- Low blood pressure (hypotension).
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD