Angina Drug Approved

The FDA recently approved ranolazineextended-release tablets (Ranexa) for thetreatment of angina, making it the firstnew pharmaceutical option for the treatmentof angina in >20 years. According toa statement from the manufacturer, CVTherapeutics Inc, ranolazine prolongs theQT interval and therefore should be usedin patients who have not achieved anadequate response with other antianginaldrugs. Ranolazine should be used incombination with amlodipine, betablockers,or nitrates. The effect on anginarate or exercise tolerance appearedto be smaller in women than in men.CV Therapeutics expects to haveRanexa available to pharmacies laterthis spring.

Ms. Farley is a freelance medicalwriter based in Wakefield, RI.