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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

 

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Ranolazine

 

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Summary for Monoket

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.

Indications for Monoket

Pros and Cons for Monoket

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

Common Side Effects for Monoket

  • Headache (up to 57%)
  • Dizziness (up to 11%)

Warnings for Monoket

  • Low blood pressure
  • Tolerance to the medication

Summary for Ranexa

Prescription only

Ranolazine is an extended-release medication for adults used to help treat ongoing chest pain (angina). It's often added when other medications don't well enough. Ranolazine is available as generic tablets, though it was once sold under the brand name Ranexa. There's also a sprinkle form called Aspruzyo Sprinkle. You take the dosage by mouth twice a day. Side effects include dizziness, headache, and constipation.

Indications for Ranexa

Pros and Cons for Ranexa

Pros

  • Can help make you less likely to get chest pain from exercise
  • Can take with or without food
  • An option as an add-on when other medications aren't working well to manage chest pain
  • Okay for people with heart failure or diabetes to take

Cons

  • Not for relieving chest pain after it's started
  • Must take twice a day
  • Can interact with some medications, including certain heart and cholesterol medications
  • Not recommended if you have serious liver problems

Common Side Effects for Ranexa

  • Dizziness (6%)
  • Headache (6%)
  • Constipation (5%)
  • Nausea (4%)

Warnings for Ranexa

  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • Kidney problems
  • Interactions with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Monoket vs. Ranexa

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Isosorbide Mononitrate60 tablets / 20mg
$27.56$242.08
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Ranolazine60 tablets / 500mg
$18.74$297.14
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