Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) and Ranexa (ranolazine) are both prescription medications, but they treat different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Entresto is an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) used to treat heart failure in people aged 1 year and older. It combines two medications, sacubitril and valsartan, to help relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Ranexa, on the other hand, is an antianginal medication used to treat chronic chest pain (angina). Its believed to work by changing the flow of electrolytes in the heart to help it work more efficiently, though its exact mechanism isn't fully understood. Entresto is taken twice daily and is not available as a generic, while Ranexa is also taken twice daily but is available in both brand-name and lower-cost generic forms. Entresto can cause side effects like low blood pressure and high potassium levels, whereas Ranexa can cause headache and constipation. Additionally, Ranexa is not recommended for people with serious liver problems.
Entresto (sacubitril / valsartan)
Ranolazine (Ranexa)
Entresto (sacubitril / valsartan)
Ranolazine (Ranexa)
Summary of Entresto vs. Ranexa
Summary for Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI)
Prescription only
Entresto (sacubitril / valsartan) is a combination medication called an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI). It's used for heart failure in adults and children ages 1 year and older. It helps lower the risk of hospital stays and heart-related death in adults with heart failure. You usually take the medication by mouth twice a day. Entresto is available as tablets. It also comes as Entresto Sprinkle, which are capsules you open and mix the pellets inside with soft food. Side effects include low blood pressure and cough. As of early 2025, there's no generic version of this medication.
Summary for Antianginal
Prescription only
Ranolazine (Ranexa) is an oral medication used to treat chest pain (angina). It's usually added to other medications when they aren't working well enough. Ranolazine (Ranexa) extended-release tablets are available in brand-name and lower-cost generic forms, but the extended-release granules (Aspruzyo Sprinkle) are available as a brand-name form only.