Ranolazine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 20, 2024.

Applies to ranolazine: oral packet, oral tablet extended release.

Serious side effects of ranolazine

Along with its needed effects, ranolazine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ranolazine:

More common side effects

• dizziness

Less common side effects

• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• chest tightness
• difficult or labored breathing
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• lightheadedness
• rapid weight gain
• sensation of spinning
• tingling of the hands or feet
• unusual weight gain or loss

Rare side effects

• abnormal or decreased touch sensation
• agitation
• blood in the urine
• blurred vision
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• chest pain or discomfort
• chills
• cold sweats
• coma
• confusion
• decreased urine output
• depression
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fainting
• headache
• hostility
• irritability
• lethargy
• muscle twitching
• nausea
• seizures
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• stupor
• sweating
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• decrease in frequency of urination
• decrease in urine volume
• difficulty in passing urine [dribbling]
• large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• painful urination
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

Other side effects of ranolazine

Some side effects of ranolazine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

Less common side effects

• dry mouth
• stomach pain

Rare side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
• hearing loss
• heartburn
• indigestion
• lack or loss of strength
• stomach discomfort or upset
• vomiting

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ranolazine: oral granule extended release, oral tablet extended release.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions were dizziness, headache, constipation, and nausea.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, nausea, vomiting
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abdominal pain, dry mouth, dyspepsia, flatulence, stomach discomfort
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Pancreatitis, erosive duodenitis, oral hypoesthesia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Lethargy, syncope, hypoesthesia, somnolence, tremor, postural dizziness, paresthesia, vertigo, tinnitus
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Amnesia, depressed level of consciousness, loss of consciousness, coordination abnormal, gait disturbance, parosmia
• Postmarketing reports: Myoclonus^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fatigue, peripheral edema
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Impaired hearing^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anorexia, appetite decreased, dehydration, weight decreased
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hyponatremia
• Postmarketing reports: Hypoglycemia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anxiety, insomnia, confusional state, hallucination
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Disorientation^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pain in extremity, muscle cramp, joint swelling, muscular weakness^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hot flush, hypotension, prolonged QT corrected interval
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Peripheral coldness, orthostatic hypotension
• Frequency not reported: Bradycardia, palpitations^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysuria, hematuria, chromaturia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Urinary retention, erectile dysfunction^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea, cough, epistaxis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Throat tightness
• Frequency not reported: Pulmonary fibrosis^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blurred vision, visual disturbance, diplopia^[Ref]

Renal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Serum creatinine increased, blood urea increased
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Acute renal failure
• Frequency not reported: Blood urea increased^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus, hyperhidrosis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Angioedema, urticaria, cold sweat, rash^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Platelet or white blood cell count increased
• Frequency not reported: Eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, pancytopenia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hepatic enzyme levels elevated^[Ref]

Further information

Ranolazine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer