Ranolazine: A New Anti-Ischemic Drug Which Affects Myocardial Energetics.
Ranolazine is a new, orally active pharmacologic agent that experimentally has been shown to favorably affect myocardial metabolism during myocardial ischemia. It has no direct action on myocardial hemodynamics but appers to improve ventricular functioning by blocking uptake of free fatty acids by the heart while shifting metabolism to anaerobic glycolysis during myocardial ischemia. Preliminary clinical studies suggest a dose-dependent antianginal, and anti-ischemic effect and an excellent safety profile for this unique drug. However, the results of a recent double-blind efficacy and safety study showed no antianginal effect of ranolazine (30--120 mg thrice daily) when compared to placebo.
Goldschmidt
Marc
M
Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, USA.
Frishman
William H.
WH