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Compare Monoket vs. Ranexa

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) and ranolazine (Ranexa) are both used to treat chest pain (angina), but they work differently and have different usage guidelines. Isosorbide mononitrate is a nitrate vasodilator that helps relax blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump. It is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, with the immediate-release taken twice daily and the extended-release taken once daily. Common side effects include headaches and dizziness. Ranolazine, on the other hand, is an antianginal medication that helps your heart work more efficiently by changing the flow of electrolytes in the heart. It is usually added to other medications when they aren't working well enough and is taken twice daily. Ranolazine is available in both brand-name and generic forms, but its extended-release granules (Aspruzyo Sprinkle) are only available as a brand-name. Unlike isosorbide mononitrate, ranolazine does not typically lower blood pressure and can interact with many other medications. Both medications can cause dizziness, but ranolazine can also lead to abnormal heart rhythms and kidney problems.

  • Isosorbide mononitrate
    Ranolazine (Ranexa)
  • Isosorbide mononitrate
    Ranolazine (Ranexa)

  • Summary of Monoket vs. Ranexa

    Summary for Nitrate vasodilator
    Prescription only

    Isosorbide mononitrate works well for adults who have a specific type of chest pain (called angina). This medication belongs to a drug class called nitrate vasodilators that helps relax your blood vessels. The immediate-release version (IR) is taken twice a day, usually 7 hours apart; whereas the extended-release version (ER) is taken once daily in the morning. Although isosorbide mononitrate doesn't have many side effects, you might have a headache or feel dizzy after you take the 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.

  • Indications of Monoket vs. Ranexa

    Indications for
    •Angina (a specific type of chest pain) caused by heart disease
    Indications for
    •A certain type of long-term chest pain (chronic angina)

  • Pros and Cons of Monoket vs. Ranexa

    Pros and Const for Nitrate vasodilator
    Pros
    •Can help prevent chest pain that's caused by heart disease
    •Available as a lower-cost generic version
    •Not known to affect the kidneys so people with kidney problems should be able to take the usual dose
    •Long-acting version (ER tablet) only needs to be taken once daily
    Cons
    •Commonly causes headaches
    •Can cause dizziness, especially when you change positions
    •Shouldn't take erectile dysfunction medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra), because of risk of dangerously low blood pressure
    •Must take short-acting IR tablets on a very specific schedule for the medication to work best
    Pros and Const for Antianginal
    Pros
    •Makes you less likely to get chest pain from exercise
    •Safe to use if you have heart failure or diabetes
    •Can take with or without food
    •Tablets available as a lower-cost generic
    •Also available as a granule formulation if you can't swallow pills or have a feeding tube
    Cons
    •Not good for treating chest pain after it's started
    •Not usually a first-choice treatment for angina
    •Typically must take twice daily
    •Can interact with several medications, including certain heart or cholesterol medications
    •Not recommended if you have serious liver problems

  • Common Side Effects of Monoket vs. Ranexa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 57%)
    •Dizziness (up to 11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (6%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Constipation (5%)
    •Nausea (4%)

  • Warnings of Monoket vs. Ranexa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Tolerance to the medication
    Common Side Effects for
    •Abnormal heart rhythm
    •Kidney problems
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Monoket vs. Ranexa

    Learn more about Isosorbide mononitrate
    Learn more about Ranolazine

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