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ranitidine - injection, Zantac

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GENERIC NAME: RANITIDINE - INJECTION (ran-IT-uh-deen)

BRAND NAME(S): Zantac

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

USES: Ranitidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach or intestines and prevent them from returning after treatment. This medication is also used to treat certain stomach and throat problems caused by too much acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis) or a backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD).This form of ranitidine is given by injection and is used for short-term treatment of these conditions when you cannot take this medication by mouth. Your doctor should switch you to taking this medication by mouth when possible.Ranitidine is known as an H2 histamine blocker. It works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. This helps heal and prevent ulcers and improves symptoms such as heartburn and stomach pain.

HOW TO USE: Ranitidine is injected into a vein or muscle by a health care professional. Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. Premixed bags are for IV use only. If you have questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist.Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Ranitidine for injection should be colorless to yellow in color.The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, dosage may also be based on body weight.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, dizziness, constipation, or diarrhea may occur. Pain, redness, burning or stinging may occur at the injection site. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: vision changes (e.g., blurred vision), mental/mood changes (e.g., nervousness, confusion, depression, hallucinations).Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these rare but very serious side effects: easy bleeding/bruising, enlarged breasts, severe tiredness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, cough), severe abdominal/stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.