- that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
- please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
- the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.
For this installment, I have chosen RANITIDINE 75 MG
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Acid Reducer, Zantac 75 (over the counter OTC)
Uses: Ranitidine is known as an H2 histamine blocker. It works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. It is used to prevent and treat heartburn and other symptoms caused by too much acid in the stomach (acid indigestion).
**Please read this information carefully**
If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Acid Reducer, Zantac 75
GENERIC NAME(S): RANITIDINE HCL
Uses
Ranitidine is known as an H2 histamine blocker. It works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. It is used to prevent and treat heartburn and other symptoms caused by too much acid in the stomach (acid indigestion).
How to use ranitidine
To treat heartburn and acid indigestion, take 1 tablet with a glass of water as needed, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole without chewing. Ranitidine can be taken with or without food.
To prevent heartburn and acid indigestion, take ranitidine 30-60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that can cause indigestion.
Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by your doctor. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Stop taking this medication and call your doctor promptly if your symptoms continue after you begin taking it, or if they do not improve after you have been taking this medication for 14 days in a row. Do not take this medication for more than 14 days in a row without talking with your doctor.
Side Effects
Headache, dizziness, constipation or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these rare but very serious side effects: vomiting, severe 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.
RANITIDINE Side Effects List ranitidine side effects
The following side effects are associated with ranitidine: by likelihood and severity
Common & Infrequent side effects of ranitidine:
Diarrhea Less Severe
· Dizzy Less Severe
· Drowsiness Less Severe
· Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
· Head Pain Less Severe
· Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe
· Rash Less Severe
· Stomach Cramps Less Severe
· Throwing Up Less Severe
Rare side effects of ranitidine:
Abnormal Heart Rhythm Severe
· Abnormal Liver Function Tests Severe
· Acquired Decrease of All Cells in the Blood Severe
· Acute Inflammation of the Pancreas Severe
· Allergic Reaction caused by a Drug Severe
· Blurred Vision Severe
· Bronchospasm Severe
· Confused Severe
· Decreased Blood Platelets Severe
· Decreased White Blood Cells Severe
· Deficiency of Granulocytes a Type of White Blood Cell Severe
· Depression Severe
· Erythema Multiforme Severe
· Fast Heartbeat Severe
· Feeling Restless Severe
· Fever Severe
· Giant Hives Severe
· Hallucination Severe
· Hemolytic Anemia Severe
· Hepatitis Severe
· Interstitial Nephritis Severe
· Not Feeling Well Severe
· Pneumonia Severe
· Slow Heartbeat Severe
· Vasculitis Severe
· Yellowing of Skin or Eyes from Liver Problems Severe
· Chronic Trouble Sleeping Less Severe
· Hair Loss Less Severe
· Joint Pain Less Severe
· Muscle Pain Less Severe
· Sensation of Spinning or Whirling Less Severe
Precautions
Before taking ranitidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other acid blockers (e.g.,cimetidine, famotidine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain blood disorder (porphyria), kidney problems, liver problems, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors).
Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Get medical help right away if you have: heartburn with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest/jaw/arm/shoulder pain (especially with shortness of breath, unusual sweating), unexplained weight loss.
In addition, before you self-treat with this medication, get medical help right away if you have any of these signs of a serious condition: trouble/pain swallowing food, bloody vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, bloody/black stools, heartburn for over 3 months, frequent chest pain, frequent wheezing (especially with heartburn), nausea/vomiting, stomach pain.
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Do not use this medication in children younger than 12 unless directed by the doctor.
Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially confusion and dizziness.
During pregnancy, this medication should only be used if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.
Ranitidine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: procainamide, propantheline.
This medication decreases the amount of acid in your stomach. This can change the amount of medication absorbed from your stomach which may affect how these medications work. Examples of affected drugs include atazanavir, delavirdine, dasatinib, gefitinib, pazopanib,raltegravir, triazolam among others. Azole antifungals such as ketoconazole may also be affected.
Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain aspirin or aspirin-like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) that can cause stomach irritation/ulcers. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This medication and similar acid blockers (e.g., cimetidine, famotidine) are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Do not take them at the same time.
Ranitidine may interfere with certain laboratory tests (e.g., urine protein), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and diet changes (e.g., avoiding caffeine, certain spices) may increase the effectiveness of this medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.
Missed Dose
Not applicable.
Storage
Store between 36-77 degrees F (2-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised July 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.