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Drug interactions

Ranolazine + Tetrabenazine

Severity: Major

Ranolazine and Tetrabenazine: major interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Both drugs can prolong the QTc interval, so combining them adds to the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbance, bradycardia or hepatic impairment.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ranolazine and Tetrabenazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.

Ranolazine belongs to Cardiovascular; Tetrabenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization (QTc) by both agents.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible. If both are required, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and limit tetrabenazine dose.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
  • Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
  • What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Ranolazine with Tetrabenazine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ranolazine and Tetrabenazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs can prolong the QTc interval, so combining them adds to the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbance, bradycardia or hepatic impairment.

How serious is the interaction between Ranolazine and Tetrabenazine?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible. If both are required, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and limit tetrabenazine dose.

What other medicines interact with Ranolazine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Ranolazine with, for example, Adagrasib, Amobarbital, Apalutamide. The full list is on the Ranolazine page.

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