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Introduction of
Ranitidine
Ranitidine is used
to treat ulcers; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a
condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach
causes heartburn and injury of the food pipe (esophagus); and
conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Over-the-counter ranitidine is
used to prevent and treat symptoms of heartburn associated
with acid indigestion and sour stomach. Ranitidine is in a
class of medications called H2 blockers. It decreases the
amount of acid made in the stomach.
How should Ranitidine be used
Ranitidine comes as
a tablet, an effervescent tablet, effervescent granules, and a
syrup to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day at
bedtime or two to four times a day. Over-the-counter
ranitidine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually
taken once or twice a day. To prevent symptoms, it is taken
30-60 minutes before eating or drinking foods that cause
heartburn. Follow the directions on your prescription or the
package label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to
explain any part you do not understand. Take ranitidine
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it
more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Dissolve ranitidine
effervescent tablets and granules in a full glass (6-8 ounces)
of water before drinking.
Do not take
over-the-counter ranitidine for longer than 2 weeks unless
your doctor tells you to. If symptoms of heartburn, acid
indigestion, or sour stomach last longer than 2 weeks, stop
taking ranitidine and call your doctor.
Other uses for Ranitidine
Ranitidine is also
used sometimes to treat upper gastrointestinal bleeding and to
prevent stress ulcers, stomach damage from use of nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and aspiration of
stomach acid during anesthesia. Talk to your doctor about the
risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may
be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
Special precautions before taking
Ranitidine
-
tell your doctor
and pharmacist if you are allergic to ranitidine or any
other medications.
-
tell your doctor
and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal
products you are taking. Be sure to mention either of the
following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as
warfarin (Coumadin); and triazolam (Halcion). Your doctor
may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor
you carefully for side effects.
-
tell your doctor
if you have or have ever had porphyria, phenylketonuria, or
kidney or liver disease.
-
tell your doctor
if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking
ranitidine, call your doctor.
Side effects of Ranitidine
Ranitidine may cause
side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are
severe or do not go away:
-
headache
-
constipation
-
diarrhea
-
upset stomach
-
vomiting
-
stomach pain
Ranitidine may cause
other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual
problems while taking this medication.
Disclaimer:
Information on this page is provided for general
information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment
decision based on information contained in this page without
consulting other references including the package insert of
the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We
cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in
administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any
erroneous information contained on this page.
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