Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: RANITIDINE TABLETS - 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. 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.
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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