Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: RANITIDINE 75MG - ORAL (ran-IT-uh-deen)

BRAND NAME(S): Acid Reducer, Zantac 75

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication reduces the amount of acid in your stomach. It is used to relieve symptoms of heartburn, indigestion and sour stomach. Ranitidine is also used to prevent heartburn from certain foods or beverages.

HOW TO USE: This medication is usually taken only when it is needed, up to twice daily (2 tablets in 24 hours). It is best taken with, or immediately after, meals to relieve symptoms of heartburn. To prevent heartburn symptoms, ranitidine should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that may cause heartburn. If you are taking sucralfate, ranitidine should be taken at least 2 hours before the sucralfate dose.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, diarrhea, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, or trouble sleeping may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: trouble breathing, muscle pain, joint pain, blurred vision, itching, rash, fever. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects: irregular heartbeat (e.g., unusually fast or slow heartbeat), chest pain, mental/mood changes, stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual bleeding or bruising. 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, severe stomach pain, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors), any allergies (including drug allergies). Smoking can help cause ulcers and can prevent them from healing. Smoking should be avoided. Alcohol can irritate the stomach and cause bleeding. Consult your doctor about the safe use of alcohol. Talk to your doctor about the safe use of this product for children. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. Ranitidine passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.