What is this medicine?
RANITIDINE (ra NYE te deen) is a type of antihistamine that blocks the release of stomach acid. It is used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers. It can relieve ulcer pain and discomfort, and the heartburn from acid reflux.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-phenylketonuria
-porphyria
-an unusual or allergic reaction to ranitidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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Dissolve this medicine in 5 ml (1 teaspoonful) of water just before taking by mouth. After the dose is dissolved, swallow all of the liquid to get the entire dose. Tablets should not be chewed, swallowed whole, or dissolved on the tongue. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
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-atazanavir
-delavirdine
-gefitinib
-glipizide
-ketoconazole
-midazolam
-procainamide
-propantheline
-triazolam
-warfarin
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Tell your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not start to get better or gets worse. You may need to take this medicine for several days before your symptoms get better. Finish the full course of tablets prescribed, even if you feel better.
Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation in your stomach and can lengthen the time it will take for ulcers to heal. Cigarettes and alcohol can also make acid reflux or heartburn worse.
If you need to take an antacid you should take it at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after this medicine. This medicine will not be as effective if taken at the same time as an antacid.
If you get black, tarry stools or vomit up what looks like coffee grounds, call your doctor or health care professional at once. You may have a bleeding ulcer.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-agitation, nervousness, depression, hallucinations
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-breast enlargement in both males and females
-breathing problems
-redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
-unusual bleeding or bruising
-unusually weak or tired
-vomiting
-yellowing of the skin or eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-constipation or diarrhea
-dizziness
-headache
-nausea
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class B - Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
SECOND Trimester
Class B - Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
THIRD Trimester
Class B - Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
Lactation
Compatible - This drug is generally safe to take by nursing mothers.
