Zantac

What is ranitidine?

• Ranitidine is in a group of drugs called histamine-2 blockers. Ranitidine works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces.
• Ranitidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also treats conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid , such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Ranitidine also treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
• Ranitidine may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

• Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
  • kidney disease;
  • liver disease; or
  • porphyria.
• If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to use ranitidine or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
• The effervescent tablet forms of ranitidine contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria, you should be aware of possible effects this may have on you.
• Ranitidine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
• Ranitidine passes into breast milk. Do not take ranitidine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using ranitidine.
• Using this medication may make you more susceptible to pneumonia if you have diabetes, lung disease, a weak immune system, or if you are elderly. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

• Take ranitidine exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not take ranitidine for longer than your doctor has prescribed.
• Take each ranitidine tablet with a full glass of water.
• The ranitidine effervescent tablet or granules must be dissolved in water before taking each dose. Tablets or granules should not be chewed, swallowed whole, or dissolved on the tongue.
• Place the Zantac 150 mg dose tablet in a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Allow the tablet to completely dissolve, then drink the entire mixture.
• Place the Zantac 25 mg dose tablet in at least 1 teaspoon of water. Allow the tablet to completely dissolve, then drink the entire mixture. If you are giving this medicine to a child, you can place this mixture in a medicine dropper or syringe before giving it to the child.
• Ranitidine granules should be mixed with 6 to 8 ounces of water before drinking.
• To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of ranitidine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Ranitidine syrup may be given to an infant or child by medicine dropper or oral syringe.
• Do not stop taking ranitidine without asking your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal.
• Store ranitidine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

• Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
• Symptoms of a ranitidine overdose may include weakness, lack of coordination, severe nausea or vomiting, and a fast heartbeat.

• There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking ranitidine, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

• Stop using ranitidine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
  • easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
  • fast or uneven heartbeats; or
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take ranitidine and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • headache (may be severe);
  • decreased sex drive, impotence;
  • swollen or tender breasts (in men);
  • nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or
  • diarrhea or constipation.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

• alcohol containing beverages
• alendronate
• antacids
• cefditoren
• cefpodoxime
• cefuroxime
• delavirdine
• enoxacin
• glipizide
• glyburide
• iron supplements
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• metformin
• nifedipine
• propantheline
• theophylline
• triazolam
• warfarin

Common uses

This medicine is a histamine blocker used to treat and prevent ulcers. It is also used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (gerd). This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking certain cephalosporins (such as cefditoren or cefpodixime), itraconazole, or ketoconazole. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Antacids may be used with this medicine unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, 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.

Cautions

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol, may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. For women: this medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

A side effect that may go away during treatment, is headache. If it continues, or is bothersome, check with your doctor. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attnetion if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, tremors, vomiting, and restlessness.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.