Ranitidine (Zantac)

Description

The main component of Ranitidine is ranitidine hydrochloride. It is known as a histamine H2 receptor antagonist.

 

This medication reduces the amount of acid that the stomach produces.

 

 

 

Uses

 

Ranitidine is used to heal the ulcers that form in the stomach and other areas of the digestive system. It also prevents the re-occurrence of the ulcers.

 

This medication is also helpful with other digestive problems that are caused due to an excess of acid. These ailments include acid reflux, heartburn, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

 

It is also used to relieve discomfort in the stomach as well as difficulty with swallowing.

 

Contact your physician for a full list of benefits you can get from this medication.

 

Dosage

 

Always follow the prescription that the doctor has provided. Do not take Ranitidine in larger or smaller doses than you have been instructed.

 

This medication should be taken orally.

 

The total recommended dose for an adult is between 150 mg and 300 mg a day. If you are prescribed 150 mg of

 

Ranitidine a day, take it once at bedtime. If you have been prescribed 300 mg of Ranitidine a day, take 150 mg twice a day.

 

If you forgot a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next scheduled dose is due soon, skip your missed dose.

 

Do not take two doses together.

 

In case of overdose, contact your local emergency medical services.

 

Side Effects

 

The most common side effects experienced with Ranitidine are:

 

 Changes in bowel movements
 Nausea
 Discomfort in the stomach
 Irritation of the skin
 Sensitivity of the breasts
 Lethargy
 Changes in sleep patterns
 Changes in sex drive or libido

 

Less common side effects experienced with this medication are:

 

 Discomfort in the chest
 Difficulty in breathing
 Fatigue
 Unusual bruising
 Unexpected bleeding
 Erratic heartbeat
 Difficulties with vision
 Jaundice
 Changes in bowel movements
 Changes in appetite

 

If you experience any side effects while taking this medication inform your physician immediately.

 

Contraindications

 

 Inform your physician if you are pregnant and have been prescribed with Ranitidine. Tell your doctor before you begin breastfeeding your baby.

 

 Do not take this medication if you have an allergy to ranitidine.

 

 Inform your doctor if you have a history of kidney or liver problems.

 

 This medication may increase the risk of patients developing pneumonia.

 

 This medication may contain phenylalanine. Inform your doctor if you have been diagnosed with phenylketonuria.

 

 Ranitidine may affect the way certain medications such as procainamide are removed from the body. This may have an effect on how the drug works.

 

 Inform your physician if you have been prescribed blood thinners, atazanavir, or delavirdine. These medications may have a negative impact when combined with Ranitidine.

 

 Do not use this medication with other drugs that contain ranitidine or H-2 antagonists.

 

 Do not consume alcohol while taking this medication, it may reduce the effectiveness of Ranitidine.

 

 This medication may disrupt the results of certain laboratory tests. Inform your physician and lab techs if you have been prescribed Ranitidine.

 

 Inform your physician of any other medications or herbal supplements that you may have been prescribed.