title: Extended-release ranolazine: critical evaluation of its use in stable angina.
abstract: Coronary heart disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world, and is responsible for approximately one of every six deaths in the US. Angina pectoris is a clinical syndrome characterized by discomfort, typically in the chest, neck, chin, or left arm, induced by physical exertion, emotional stress, or cold, and relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. The main goals of treatment of stable angina pectoris are to improve quality of life by reducing the severity and/or frequency of symptoms, to increase functional capacity, and to improve prognosis. Ranolazine is a recently developed antianginal with unique methods of action. In this paper, we review the pharmacology of ranolazine, clinical trials supporting its approval for clinical use, and studies of its quality of life benefits. We conclude that ranolazine has been shown to be a reasonable and safe option for patients who have refractory ischemic symptoms despite the use of standard medications (for example, nitrates, beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists, and calcium channel antagonists) for treatment of anginal symptoms, and also provides a modestly improved quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Duke Clinical Research Institute and Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Adriano Am
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Truffa
authors.forename: L Kristin
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Newby
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Melloni
mesh_terms: D000083:Acetanilides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D060050:Angina, Stable / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D000818:Animals; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D006801:Humans; D010879:Piperazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011788:Quality of Life; D000069458:Ranolazine; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000083:Acetanilides; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D010879:Piperazines; D000069458:Ranolazine