Medications and Drugs

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

BRAND NAME(S): Zantac

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 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. This dose form must be dissolved in 6 to 8 ounces (180 to 240 mls) of water before drinking. 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 any of these effects: unusual bleeding or bruising, pounding chest pain, rash, difficulty sleeping, mental changes, extreme weakness. 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 problems, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors), any allergies (including drug allergies). If you have kidney or liver disease, tell your doctor before taking this drug. If you have ulcers, do not smoke cigarettes. Smoking apparently inhibits ulcer healing. This product contains phenylalanine which is important for people with phenylketonuria. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors before taking this medication.