General Information and Indications:
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.
Information For Users:
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 health care provider.
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.
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.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to ranitidine or any other medications.
o Inform 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.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding porphyria, phenylketonuria,
or kidney or liver disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking ranitidine, call your
doctor.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Ranitidine may cause adverse effects. Inform your doctor if any of the
following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o headache
o constipation
o diarrhea
o upset stomach
o vomiting
o stomach pain
Brand Name(s):
o Tritec®
o Zantac®
o Zantac® 75
o Zantac® EFFERdose®
o Zantac® Premixed
o Zantac® Syrup
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