Ranitidine is in a group of drugs called histamine-2 blockers. Ranitidine works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces.
Ranitidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also treats conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid , such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Ranitidine also treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
Ranitidine may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my doctor before using ranitidine?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
kidney disease;
liver disease; or
porphyria.
If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to use ranitidine or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
The effervescent tablet forms of ranitidine contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria, you should be aware of possible effects this may have on you.
Ranitidine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Ranitidine passes into breast milk. Do not take ranitidine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using ranitidine.
Using this medication may make you more susceptible to pneumonia if you have diabetes, lung disease, a weak immune system, or if you are elderly. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.
How should I take ranitidine?
Take ranitidine exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not take ranitidine for longer than your doctor has prescribed.
Take each ranitidine tablet with a full glass of water.
The ranitidine effervescent tablet or granules must be dissolved in water before taking each dose. Tablets or granules should not be chewed, swallowed whole, or dissolved on the tongue.
Place the Zantac 150 mg dose tablet in a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Allow the tablet to completely dissolve, then drink the entire mixture.
Place the Zantac 25 mg dose tablet in at least 1 teaspoon of water. Allow the tablet to completely dissolve, then drink the entire mixture. If you are giving this medicine to a child, you can place this mixture in a medicine dropper or syringe before giving it to the child.
Ranitidine granules should be mixed with 6 to 8 ounces of water before drinking.
To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of ranitidine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Ranitidine syrup may be given to an infant or child by medicine dropper or oral syringe.
Do not stop taking ranitidine without asking your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal.
Store ranitidine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of a ranitidine overdose may include weakness, lack of coordination, severe nausea or vomiting, and a fast heartbeat.
What should I avoid while taking ranitidine?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking ranitidine, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of ranitidine?
Stop using ranitidine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
fast or uneven heartbeats; or
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take ranitidine and talk to your doctor if you experience
headache (may be severe);
decreased sex drive, impotence;
swollen or tender breasts (in men);
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or
diarrhea or constipation.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What drug(s) may interact with ranitidine?
alcohol containing beverages
alendronate
antacids
cefditoren
cefpodoxime
cefuroxime
delavirdine
enoxacin
glipizide
glyburide
iron supplements
itraconazole
ketoconazole
metformin
nifedipine
propantheline
theophylline
triazolam
warfarin
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
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