Ranitidine belongs to a class of medicines known as H2 blockers, which works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach.
Ranitidine belongs to a class of medicines known as H2 blockers, which works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach.
Ranitidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines and prevent them from coming back after they have healed. This medication is also used to treat certain stomach and throat (esophagus) problems (such as erosive esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It relieves symptoms such as cough that doesn’t go away, stomach pain, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing.
Treatment with H2-antagonist may mask symptoms associated with cancer of the stomach and therefore may delay diagnosis of the condition. Accordingly, where gastric ulcer is suspected the possibility of malignancy should be excluded before therapy with ranitidine injection is instituted.
Headache, constipation or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: vomiting, severe stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Precautions
Before taking ranitidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other H2 blockers (e.g., cimetidine, famotidine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain blood disorder (porphyria), kidney problems, liver problems, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors).
Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Get medical help right away if you have: heartburn with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest/jaw/arm/shoulder pain (especially with shortness of breath, unusual sweating), unexplained weight loss.
In addition, before you self-treat with this medication, get medical help right away if you have any of these signs of a serious condition: trouble/pain swallowing food, bloody vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, bloody/black stools, heartburn for over 3 months, frequent chest pain, frequent wheezing (especially with heartburn), nausea/vomiting, stomach pain.
Do not use to treat children younger than 12 unless directed by the doctor.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially confusion.
Ranitidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Ranitidine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
Some products need stomach acid so that the body can absorb them properly. Ranitidine decreases stomach acid, so it may change how well these products work. Some affected products include atazanavir, dasatinib, delavirdine, certain azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), pazopanib, among others.
Do not use this medication with other products that contain ranitidine or other H2 blockers (cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine).
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including certain urine protein tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Symptoms of overdose may include difficulty walking, severe dizziness/fainting. If overdose is suspected, bring the victim to the nearest hospital right away.
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