Ranolazine and Food

You may take ranolazine with or without food, but should try to take it the same way every time. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided if possible. Grapefruit juice can increase the levels of ranolazine in your body. High blood levels of food can occasionally cause an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or fast or pounding heartbeats during treatment with ranolazine. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of orally administered ranolazine. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Because ranolazine prolongs QT interval in a dose-dependent manner, high plasma levels of ranolazine may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsade de pointes.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with ranolazine should avoid consumption of grapefruit juice and other grapefruit products if possible. Otherwise, the dosage of ranolazine should be limited to 500 mg twice a day.