Ranitidine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Ranitidine
Ranitidine is an H2-receptor (histamine 2 receptor) blocker drug. It acts by blocking the action of histamine in the stomach Parietal cells and reduce production of stomach acid. By reducing stomach acid production and secretion it helps to reduce heartburn, to heal irritation of the esophagus, and to heal ulcers of the stomach or intestines.
Therapeutic Uses of Ranitidine
Ranitidine is used in the treatment of certain conditions that cause your body to make too much stomach acid like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is also used in the treatment of peptic ulcer (ulcer in the gastrointestinal tract including stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcers). It can also be used in other medical conditions as your doctor determines.
Direction of use of Ranitidine
Take Ranitidine as directed by your doctor. You should take it by mouth preferably on empty stomach. If you have any question about the dosing of Ranitidine, you should ask your doctor.
If You Miss a Dose of Ranitidine
If you are taking Ranitidine regularly and miss a dose of it, you should take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose of Ranitidine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses of Ranitidine at a time.
How to Store Ranitidine
Ranitidine should be stored at temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). But it can be stored at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) for a brief period of time. Ranitidine should be stored away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep Ranitidine out of reach of children and never store it in your bathroom.
More Information about Ranitidine
If you have any doubt about Ranitidine, please clarify it from your doctor, or other health care provider. Ranitidine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people for whom it is not prescribed.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Ranitidine
Do not take Ranitidine if you have any of the following medical conditions and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Ranitidine.
- If you have a history of a blood disease called porphyria.
Some medical conditions may interact with Ranitidine. If you are suffering from any medical condition that may interact with Ranitidine, you should consult your doctor. The following conditions may interact with Ranitidine and you should consult your doctor:
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if you are breast feeding.
- If you are allergic to any medicine other than Ranitidine, any food or any other substance.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplements.
- If you have a history of kidney problem or liver problem.
- If you have abnormal blood electrolyte levels, a history of irregular heartbeat etc.
Some medicines may interact with Ranitidine. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any medicine that may interact with Ranitidine. The following medicines may interact with Ranitidine:
- Some HIV protease inhibitors like atazanavir; delavirdine, gefitinib, itraconazole, ketoconazole etc. because their effectiveness may be decreased by Ranitidine.
- Some benzodiazepines like midazolam; glipizide (oral anti diabetic), or procainamide because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Ranitidine.
Possible Adverse Effects of Ranitidine
- Consult with your doctor if any of the most common side effects become persistent or become bothersome. The common side effects of Ranitidine are constipation; diarrhea; headache; nausea; stomach upset etc.
- Get immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects of Ranitidine like severe allergic reaction (symptoms of allergic reaction are rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness etc.); confusion; dark urine; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; severe or persistent headache or stomach pain; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).