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Ranitidine

 

Ranitidine (generic Zantac) Review

brand names: Zantac 75, Zantac
generic names: Ranitidine hydrochloride, Ranitidine

How does it work?

Zantac 75 tablets contain the active ingredient ranitidine, which is a type of medicine called an H 2 receptor antagonist. Ranitidine acts in the stomach to decrease the production of stomach acid.

Ranitidine works by blocking histamine H 2 receptors that are found on the cells in the stomach lining. A natural body chemical called histamine normally binds to these receptors, causing the cells to produce stomach acid. By blocking the H 2 receptors, ranitidine prevents histamine from binding to them. This stops the cells from producing stomach acid.

Stomach acid is produced as a normal part of the digestive process. If large amounts of stomach acid are produced this can cause the pain and discomfort in the abdomen commonly known as indigestion. The excess acid may also flow back into the food pipe (oesophagus) causing pain and a burning sensation known as heartburn.

By reducing the production of stomach acid, ranitidine helps relieve the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.

One Zantac 75 tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water as soon as you have symptoms. If symptoms persist for more than one hour or return, take another tablet. Do not take more than four tablets in 24 hours.

To prevent indigestion, hyperacidity and heartburn associated with consuming food and drink, swallow one Zantac 75 tablet with water half to one hour before eating or drinking.

What side effects may I notice from taking ranitidine?

Side effects with ranitidine are infrequent.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•agitation, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•skin rash, or sexual difficulties (impotence) in men
•redness, hallucinations
•breast swelling and tenderness, depression, nervousness, itching
•unusual weakness or tiredness
•vomiting
•yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•constipation or diarrhea
•dizziness
•headache
•nausea

How should you take Zantac (Ranitidine)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Make sure you follow the diet your doctor recommends.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

You can take an antacid for pain while you are taking Zantac (Ranitidine).

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Erosive Esophagitis

OLDER ADULTS

People with kidney problems, such as some older adults, typically are given a lower dose. During the therapy with Zantac (Ranitidine), the doctor is also more likely to monitor your kidney function if you're over 65.

Duodenal and Stomach Ulcers

For children 1 month to 16 years of age, the recommended dosage for initial treatment is 2 to 4 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day twice daily up to a maximum of 300 milligrams per day. For long-term maintenance of healing, the recommendation is 2 to 4 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight once daily up to a maximum of 150 milligrams per day.

For children 1 month to 16 years of age, the usual daily dosage is 5 to 10 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided into two doses.

--Storage instructions...

Store this medication at room temperature in the container it came in, tightly closed and away from moist places and direct light. Keep Zantac (Ranitidine) Syrup from freezing.

Dissolve "Efferdose" tablets and granules in 6 to 8 ounces of water before taking them.

Why should Zantac (Ranitidine) not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Zantac (Ranitidine) or similar drugs such as Tagamet, you should not take Zantac. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. These are all either rare or very rare. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Decrease in the normal number of blood cells in the blood
  
  
• False perceptions of things that are not really there (hallucinations)
  
  
• Depression
  
  
• Confusion
  
  
• Pain in the muscles and joints
  
  
• Hair loss (alopecia)
  
  
• Impotence
  
  
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  
  
• Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
  
  
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
  
  
• Blurred vision
  
  
• Dizziness
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Diarrhoea
  
  
• Alteration in results of liver function tests
  
  
• Skin rash
  
  
• Allergic reaction
  
  

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

What are ranitidine tablets or capsules?

RANITIDINE (Zantac (Ranitidine)®) is a type of antihistamine that blocks the release of stomach acid. Ranitidine is used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers. It can relieve ulcer pain and discomfort, and the heartburn from acid reflux. Generic ranitidine tablets and capsules are available.