Drug Name

Ranitidine

Drug Uses

Ranitidine is used for treating certain conditions that cause your body to make too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). It is also used to treat ulcers of the small intestine that have not responded to other treatment.

How Taken

Use Ranitidine as directed by your doctor.

• Take Ranitidine by mouth with or without food.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ranitidine.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Ranitidine is an H2-receptor blocker. It works by blocking the action of histamine in the stomach. This reduces the amount of acid the stomach makes. Reducing stomach acid helps to reduce heartburn, to heal irritation of the esophagus, and to heal ulcers of the stomach or intestines.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Ranitidine and are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Ranitidine between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Ranitidine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Ranitidine if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Ranitidine;
• you have a history of porphyria (a blood disease).

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :

• Ranitidine may rarely cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Ranitidine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Ranitidine may interfere with certain lab tests, including urine protein tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Ranitidine.
• Lab tests, including liver function, may be performed while you use Ranitidine . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Ranitidine should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 1 month old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Ranitidine while you are pregnant. Ranitidine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Ranitidine.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; diarrhea; headache; nausea; stomach upset.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); confusion; dark urine; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; severe or persistent headache or stomach pain; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

More Information

If you have any questions about Ranitidine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Ranitidine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.