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Ranitidine

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Ranitidine

Ranitidine is prescribed as the short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcers and benign gastric ulcers. This medicine is also prescribed for long-term prophylaxis of duodenal ulcer and gastric hypersecretory states, recurrent postoperative ulcer, prevention of acid-aspiration pneumonitis during surgery, and prevention of stress-induced ulcers; causes fewer interactions than cimetidine.

This medicine belongs to a drug group known as histamine (H2) receptor blocker. Ranitidine works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, effectively treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and upper GI bleeding ulcers.

Patients need to be aware that intake of this medicine can increase the chances of succumbing to pneumonia. Its symptoms are pain in the chest, fever, coughing up slimy green snot and problems with breathing. Also, make sure that you are not allergic to this medication.

Make sure it is safe for you to consume this medication if you suffer from health problems like liver, kidney disease and porphyria. Although this medication does not really harm an unborn child, ensure that you tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

This medicine does pass into breast build, thus let your doctor know if you are taking this medication while breastfeeding too. It should be taken according to instructions given by the doctor. Do not change the dosage on your own.

This medication is meant for oral consumption and should be swallowed immediately. Do not chew or let the effervescent tablet dissolve after you place it in your mouth.

For instance, if you are taking 25 mg of it, dissolve it in 1 teaspoon of water. If you are taking 150 mg of this medicine, it should be dissolved in 6-8oz of water. It should be continued until the ulcer heals completely. Generally, it takes about 8 weeks for an ulcer to properly heal.

Take exactly as directed (at meals and bedtime); do not increase dose - may take several days before you notice relief. If antacids are approved by prescriber, allow 1 hour between antacid and Ranitidine.

Avoid OTC medications, especially cold or cough medication and aspirin or anything containing aspirin. Follow the diet as the prescriber recommends.

Symptoms of overdose include muscular tremors, vomiting, rapid respiration, renal failure, CNS depression. Treatment is primarily symptomatic and supportive.

Use with caution in children <12 years of age; use with caution in patients with liver and renal impairment; dosage modification required in patients with renal impairment; long-term therapy may cause vitamin B12 deficiency.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Ranitidine

    • Duodenal Ulcer

    • Gastric Ulcer

    • Hypersecretory Condition

    • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

    • Gastrointestinal Bleeding

    • Other Forms Of Ulcers

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Ranitidine ?

    • Allergy

      This medication is not recommended for use in patients who have a known history of allergy to Ranitidine (the primary constituent of Ranitidine) or any other component of the medicine.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Ranitidine ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Ranitidine

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration upto 8 hours.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The effect of this medicine can be observed after an hour of oral or intravenous administration.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      Caution is advised while using this medicine during pregnancy.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendencies were reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      Caution is advised while using this medicine during pregnancy.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      Patient must consult a doctor before taking this medication in case of liver impairment.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      In case of renal impairment, doctor's consultation is a must before its administration. Dosing adjustment in renal impairment:

      • Clcr 10-50 mL/minute: Administer at 75% of normal dose or administer every 18-24 hours.
      • Clcr <10 mL/minute: Administer at 50% of normal dose or administer every 18-24 hours.
      • Hemodialysis: Slightly dialyzable (5% to 20%).

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      It is suggested not to take Ranitidine with alcohol, as it is unsafe to take it concomitantly.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      Driving is usually safe if you are taking Ranitidine. As this medicine does not affect patients ability to drive.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, then the missed dose can be skipped.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Contact a doctor immediately if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, fainting, and lightheadedness.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Ranitidine approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Ranitidine

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Ranitidine as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication acts by inhibiting the action of histamine at specific H2 receptors present in the gastric parietal cells. Thus, gastric acid secretion process is inhibited.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Ranitidine ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Avoid the consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine. Contact your doctor if you experience prolonged heartburn or presence of blood in the vomit or stools.
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        False-positive urine protein, gastric acid secretion test, skin test allergen extracts, serum creatinine and serum transaminase concentrations, urine protein test might appear. Thus before testing must inform your doctor that you are taking Ranitidine.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Ketoconazole

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. The use of this medication tends to make Ketoconazole less effective. Inform the doctor if the symptoms do not improve or worsen. Do not discontinue the use of any medicine without consulting your doctor.

        Loperamide

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. Dose adjustment and safety monitoring may be needed when both these medicines are taken together. Your doctor may prescribe alternative medicine if your intake of Loperamide is very high or you suffer have a heart condition.

        Metformin

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. An adjustment in dose and more frequent monitoring of blood level are advised when these two medicines are taken together.

        Atazanavir

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. Your doctor may adjust the dosage of Atazanavir when it is to be consumed along with this medication. Do not stop the usage of any medication without consulting your doctor.

        Dasatinib

        Report the usage of either of the medications to the doctor. It is advised to replace one or both of these medicines with alternates that do not interact. Do not stop the usage of any medication without consulting the doctor.

        Pazopanib

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. Use of these two medications together should be avoided. Your doctor may prescribe suitable alternatives in such cases.

        Decreased toxicity of atropine.

        Increased toxicity of cyclosporine (increased serum creatinine), gentamicin (neuromuscular blockade), glipizide, glyburide, midazolam (increased concentrations), metoprolol, pentoxifylline, phenytoin, quinidine.

      • Interaction with Disease

        Gastrointestinal Bleeding

        Use of this medication is not recommended for use if any symptoms indicating gastrointestinal bleeding exists. Consult your doctor if there is blood in vomit or the stools are bloody or black.

        Porphyria

        This medication should be used with extreme caution in patients having a history of acute Porphyria.
      • Interaction with Food

        Information not available.

      FAQs about Ranitidine

      • Ques : What is Ranitidine?

        Ans : This medication belongs to a drug group known as a histamine-2 blocker. The drug reduced the amount of acid produced in the stomach, effectively treating stomach and intestine ulcers.

      • Ques : How long do I need to use Ranitidine before I see improvement in my condition?

        Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.

      • Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Ranitidine?

        Ans : The drug should be taken according to instructions given by the doctor. Do not change the dosage on your own.

      • Ques : Should I use Ranitidine empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Ranitidine?

        Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

      • Ques : How long does it take for Ranitidine to start working?

        Ans : This medication starts working as fast as 15 minutes from when it is given. Its effect is seen to last all day or all night.

      • Ques : Can I consume alcohol with Ranitidine?

        Ans : Alcohol does not interfere with the working of Ranitidine. But, you should avoid taking alcohol as it may further damage the stomach, delaying your recovery.

      • Ques : What are the serious side effects of Ranitidine?

        Ans : Some of the serious side effects include hives, skin rash, itching, hoarseness and difficulty in breathing or swallowing.

      • Ques : Is Ranitidine safe for long-term use?

        Ans : There is limited data available on whether Ranitidine can be used for the long term or not, but it is a relatively safe medicine. It is advised to consume Ranitidine for the duration prescribed by your doctor.

      • Ques : Is Ranitidine effective?

        Ans : This drug would be effective only if used for the right indication in the dose and for the duration as advised by the doctor. It is advised to not to change the dose or stop consuming the drug without consulting your doctor.

      References

      • Ranitidine- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [Cited 12 December 2019]. Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/rn/66357-35-5

      • Ranitidine- DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2019 [Cited 12 December 2019]. Available from:

        https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00863

      • Ranicalm 75mg film-coated tablets- EMC [Internet] medicines.org.uk. 2016 [Cited 12 December 2019]. Available from:

        https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3462/smpc

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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