Ranitidine

GENERIC NAME: ranitidine

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM
Histamine is a natural chemical that stimulates the stomach cells to produce acid. Ranitidine belongs to a class of medications, called H2-blockers, that block the action of histamine on stomach cells, thus reducing stomach acid production.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes

PREPARATIONS: Tablets (150 mg, 300 mg), Capsules (150 mg, 300 mg);
Syrup (15 mg/ml)

PRESCRIBED FOR
Ranitidine blocks the action of histamine on stomach cells, and reduces stomach acid production. Ranitidine is useful in promoting healing of stomach and duodenal ulcers, and in reducing ulcer pain. Ranitidine has been effective in preventing ulcer recurrence when given in low doses for prolonged periods of time. In doses higher than that used in ulcer treatment, ranitidine has been helpful in treating heartburn and in healing ulcer and inflammation of the esophagus resulting from acid reflux (reflux esophagitis).

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you may use, especially of: ketoconazole, itraconazole, triazolam. This medication is available in both prescription and over-the-counter formulations. Do not take both at the same time. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

USES
This medication reduces the amount of acid in your stomach. It is used to treat and prevent ulcers, to treat gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and to treat conditions associated with excessive acid secretion.

HOW TO USE
This medication is best taken with or immediately after meals. Antacids and sucralfate can block the effect of this medication. If you are taking an antacid in addition to this medication, separate the doses of each medication by at least one half hour. If you are taking sucralfate in addition to this medication, take the ranitidine 2 hours before the sucralfate. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too soon may delay healing of the ulcer.

SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, diarrhea, headache, or dizziness may occur at first as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: unusual bleeding or bruising, rash, difficulty sleeping, mental changes, extreme weakness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heartburn combined with lightheadedness or sweating or dizziness, chest pain or shoulder/jaw pain especially with shortness of breath, pain spreading to arms or neck or shoulders, unexplained weight loss, liver or kidney problems, porphyria, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors), any allergies (including drug allergies). Smoking helps cause ulcers and can prevent healing. Smoking should be avoided. Alcohol can irritate the stomach and cause bleeding. Consult your doctor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before taking this drug. Ranitidine is excreted into breast milk. The effect on the nursing infant is not known. Consult your doctor.

DOSING
May be taken with or without food. Since ranitidine is excreted by the kidney and metabolized by the liver, dosages of ranitidine need to be lowered in patients with significantly abnormal liver or kidney function.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, tremors, vomiting, restlessness, weakness, fatigue, or dizziness.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE
Store between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Note : This product information is intended only for residents of the India. Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited, medicines help to treat and prevent a range of conditions—from the most common to the most challenging—for people around the world.