What is Amlodipine-ranolazine?
Amlodipine-ranolazine (brand name: Azor) is a combination medication that combines the calcium channel blocker amlodipine besylate and the anti-arrhythmic medication ranolazine. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain or discomfort (angina). Amlodipine works by relaxing blood vessels, while ranolazine helps regulate heart rhythm and improve oxygen supply to the heart muscle. This combination therapy may be prescribed for patients with hypertension and angina who are not adequately controlled on monotherapy with either amlodipine alone or ranolazine alone.
What is Amlodipine-ranolazine used for?
Amlodipine-ranolazine, commonly known as a fixed-dose combination of the two active ingredients, is an antihypertensive medication primarily used to manage high blood pressure and angina pectoris (chest pain). This combination therapy aims to provide additive benefits by targeting different pathways involved in the regulation of cardiac function.
Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, works by relaxing arterial muscles, which leads to vasodilation and subsequently reduces blood pressure. In contrast, ranolazine, a late sodium current inhibitor, helps reduce the intracellular sodium load in cardiac myocytes, thereby minimizing the electrical and contractile dysfunction that contributes to angina pectoris symptoms.
Studies have demonstrated that the combination of amlodipine and ranolazine is well-tolerated and may offer benefits over monotherapy in terms of efficacy. The precise mechanism by which the fixed-dose combination exerts its effects is complex, involving alterations in ion fluxes across cell membranes and alterations in contractility.
This medication should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional who has determined it is safe and effective for an individual patient’s needs.
Amlodipine-ranolazine side effects
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Constipation
- Rash
- Itching
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Increased urination
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Angina
- Dizziness when standing up (orthostatic hypotension)
- Low blood pressure
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
- High potassium levels
- Low potassium levels
- Increased liver enzymes
- Liver damage
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and may not be specific to your condition or circumstances. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Disclaimer
The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information provided here is based on general research and may not apply to individual circumstances. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any content on this website. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication or health routine.