Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: ranitidine
BRAND NAME: Zantac
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)
STORAGE: Should be stored at room temperature in a
tightly
closed container.
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).
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.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Antacids may decrease the absorption
of
ranitidine. Safety of ranitidine in children has not been
established.
Ranitidine is not habit forming. Ranitidine can interfere with
the
metabolism of alcohol. Patients taking ranitidine who drink
alcohol may
have elevated blood alcohol levels.
SIDE EFFECTS: Minor side effects include constipation,
diarrhea,
fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Major side
effects are rare; they include: agitation, anemia, confusion,
depression,
easy bruising or bleeding, hallucinations, hair loss,
irregular heartbeat, rash, visual changes, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 4/4/1999
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Esophageal pH Monitoring - Esophageal pH monitoring is a procedure for measuring the reflux (regurgitation or backwash) of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. The Esophageal pH test is used to diagnose GERD.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD, Heartburn) - Learn about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, acid reflux, heartburn) symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, and nausea. Causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention information is also included.
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