|
What is ranitidine
 Ranitidine
is in a class of drugs called histamine receptor antagonists.
Ranitidine works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach
produces.
Ranitidine
is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines.
Ranitidine is also used to treat conditions in which the stomach
produces too much acid and conditions in which acid comes
up into the esophagus and causes heartburn, such as gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD).
Ranitidine
may also be used for conditions other than those listed in
this medication guide.
General medical information about ranitidine
Do not stop taking ranitidine without first talking
to your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to
heal.
Do not take antacids within 1 hour of taking
ranitidine. Antacids may decrease the effectiveness of ranitidine.
Who should not take ranitidine
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease;
- liver disease;
or
- porphyria.
You may not be able to take
ranitidine, or you may require a dosage adjustmentor special
monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
The Zantac 150 mg EFFERdose Tablets
and Zantac 150 mg EFFERdose Granules contain 16.84 mg of
phenylalanine per 150 mg of ranitidine. Individuals with
phenylketonuria may need to monitor their intake of this
additive.
Ranitidine is in the FDA pregnancy category
B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby.
Do not take ranitidine without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant.
Ranitidine passes into breast
milk. Do not take ranitidine without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take ranitidine Take ranitidine exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
To ensure that you
get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of ranitidine
with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table
spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your
pharmacist where you can get one.
Dissolve the Zantac
150 mg EFFERdose Tablets and Zantac 150 mg EFFERdose Granules
in approximately 6 to 8 ounces of water before drinking.
Do not stop taking ranitidine without first talking
to your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to
heal.
Store ranitidine at room temperature away from
moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a ranitidine overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
increased saliva production, difficulty breathing, and a
fast heartbeat.
Avoid while taking ranitidine There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or
activity while taking ranitidine, unless otherwise directed
by your doctor.
Possible side effects of ranitidine If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking ranitidine and call your doctor immediately
or seek emergency medical treatment:
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
easy or unusual bruising or bleeding;
- bleeding
gums;
- irregular heartbeat; or
- 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
- dizziness;
- headache; or
- diarrhea, nausea, 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.
What other drugs will affect ranitidine Do not take antacids within 1 hour of taking ranitidine.
Antacids may decrease the effectiveness of ranitidine.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are
taking any of the following medicines:
- triazolam
(Halcion); or
- the anticoagulant (blood thinner)
such as warfarin (Coumadin).
You may not be able
to take ranitidine, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking
either of the medicines listed above.
Ranitidine
may affect the actions of other medications by changing the
acidity of the stomach. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines
during treatment with ranitidine. |
