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Ranitidine

Ranitidine


Generic Name: Ranitidine Tablets (Nonprescription Strength) (ra-NI-ti-deen)
Brand Name: Examples include Zantac 75

Ranitidine is used for:

Treating or preventing heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach caused by certain foods and drinks. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Ranitidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist. It works by blocking the action of histamine in the stomach. This reduces the amount of acid the stomach makes, which helps to relieve symptoms of heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach.

Do NOT use Ranitidine if:

  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Ranitidine or other H2-receptor antagonists (eg, famotidine)
  • you have a history of porphyria (a blood disease)
  • you have trouble swallowing

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

Before using Ranitidine :

Some medical conditions may interact with Ranitidine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
  • if you have a history of kidney or liver problems
  • if you have frequent wheezing or chest pain; chest or shoulder pain with shortness of breath; pain spreading to your arm, neck, or shoulder; lightheadedness; nausea or vomiting; or sudden increased sweating
  • if you have painful swallowing, vomit with blood, black or bloody stools, or severe or persistent heartburn

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Ranitidine . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

  • Itraconazole or ketoconazole because their effectiveness may be decreased by Ranitidine

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Ranitidine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Ranitidine :

Use Ranitidine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

  • If you are using Ranitidine to treat symptoms, take it by mouth with or without food.
  • If you are using Ranitidine to prevent symptoms, take it by mouth 30 to 60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that cause your symptoms.
  • Take this medicine with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).
  • If you also take itraconazole or ketoconazole, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take it with Ranitidine .
  • Do not take other antacids while you are using Ranitidine without first checking with your doctor.
  • Continue to use Ranitidine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
  • If you miss a dose of Ranitidine , 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.

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

Important safety information:

  • 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.
  • Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than 14 days without checking with your doctor.
  • If your stomach pain does not get better or if it gets worse, check with your doctor.
  • Ranitidine may interfere with certain lab tests, including urine protein tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Ranitidine .
  • Do not use Ranitidine in CHILDREN younger than 12 years old without first checking with the child's doctor; 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. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Ranitidine , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Ranitidine :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, 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.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at .

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness; trouble walking.

Proper storage of Ranitidine :

Store Ranitidine at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. 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.

General 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.
  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Ranitidine . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.