About Ranitidine

Ranitidine Hydrochloride is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist which blocks the histamine action in the stomach and decreases stomach acidity. The medication comes in tablets to take orally.

Uses or Indications

Ranitidine is prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, stomach ulcers and heartburn provoked by acid indigestion. Due to its H2 blocking action, Ranitidine is good in relieving the esophagus heal irritation and heartburns.

How to Use Ranitidine

The medication is available in liquid and injectable forms, as regular and liquid-filled capsules, as ordinary tablets and as chewable tablets. In hospitals Ranitidine is usually administrated via injection.

In case you take Ranitidine at home, without having a prescription, you should follow the instructions which come with the drug.

Measure the liquid drug with a syringe or special marked spoon. Dissolve the tablet in a glass of water. Don`t swallow, chew or dissolve on the tongue the effervescent tablet. Mix it with water (1 teaspoon or 1 cup) properly and drink as soon as the tablet is dissolved.

In case you suffer from heartburn, you should take the medication 30-60 minutes before eating the food that provokes heartburn.

Possible Side Effects

Taking Ranitidine may result in such allergic reactions as chest tightness, peeling or red skin rash, facial and hand muscle swelling, itching, trouble in breathing and tingling in the throat or mouth.
Other potential Side Effects imply unusual bleeding, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or of the eyes whites, uneven heartbeat, diarrhea, constipation, bruising, pain in the upper stomach, weakness, pale stools, dark-colored urine, vomiting and nausea. Check with your doctor if you noticed any of these symptoms.

Drug Precautions

• Don`t take this drug if you are allergic to Ranitidine or such drugs as Cimetidine.
• In case you are pregnant or breastfeeding, see your doctor before taking Ranitidine.
• If you have a history of acute porphyria or a kidney disease, consult with your doctor beforehand.
• If you have been suffering from heartburn for more than 3 months, have blood in your stools or vomiting and experience difficulty while swallowing food, inform your doctor immediately, as these sighs may be evidence of more severe stomach disorders.

Drug Interaction

Ask you doctor before taking triazolam, a blood thinner (e.g. Warfarin) or any other medicine, including herbal products and vitamins.

Missed Dose

Never double the dosage of Ranitidine to make up for the missed one.

Overdose

Overdoses of this drug are not known to cause problems. Still, no medication should be taken in excess. Seek medical attention as soon as overdose is suspected.

Storage

Store Ranitidine at room temperatures. Keep the medication away from hot locations and direct sunlight. Store liquid Ranitidine in a refrigerator but not in a freezer.