prompted Ranitidine Patient Tips Medically reviewed on Jul 31, 2017 by C. Fookes, BPharm . Overview Side Effects Dosage Professional Tips More Interactions Pregnancy Warnings Breastfeeding Warnings User Reviews Drug Images Support Group Q & A Compare Alternatives Pricing & Coupons How it works Ranitidine reduces the secretion of gastric acid in the stomach by blocking the effect of histamine on histamine H2-receptors located on the parietal cells lining the stomach wall. Histamine is the chemical transmitter that stimulates the parietal cells to release gastric acid. By blocking H2 receptors, ranitidine prevents histamine from having this effect, thereby reducing gastric acid secretion. Ranitidine is specific for H2 receptors (other drugs, called antihistamines, block H1 receptors which are primarily involved with allergic-type reactions). Ranitidine belongs to a group of drugs known as H2 receptor antagonists (also called H2 blockers). Upsides Used for the short-term treatment of active duodenal or gastric ulcers. May be used for up to 1 year for the maintenance treatment of healed duodenal or gastric ulcers. Reduces stomach acid secretion so may be used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or systemic mastocytosis. May also be used in the treatment and maintenance of endoscopically diagnosed erosive esophagitis. Ranitidine may be sold over-the-counter in approved packaging which means adults and children older than 12 years may self-medicate with ranitidine for mild gastrointestinal complaints such as occasional heartburn, indigestion, or sour stomach brought on by certain foods. May be used in addition to antacids. Generic ranitidine is available. Downsides If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: A headache and gastrointestinal side effects (such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain) are the most commonly reported side effects. Other side effects are rare. May cause false-positive results on urine protein tests and higher dosages may affect liver function. A response to ranitidine does not mean that your symptoms are not due to gastric or duodenal cancer (stomach cancer affects approximately 28,000 people in the U.S. each year; the risk is higher in older people). Endoscopy is the only way to do this. The dosage of ranitidine should be adjusted in people with kidney disease, and a dosage reduction should be considered in those with liver disease. Avoid in people with acute porphyria (a group of disorders characterized by a build-up of porphyrin-producing natural chemicals). May interact with some other medications including warfarin, HIV antivirals, nifedipine, procainamide, and benzodiazepines. Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur with long-term therapy. Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all side effects, click here . Bottom Line Ranitidine is an acid-suppressing agent that may be used to treat a wide range of gastric-acid related disorders, including gastric ulcers, heartburn, and GERD. A headache is the most common side effect. Tips May be taken with or without food. Take with a glass of water and take the exact dosage as directed on the packet (self-medicating) or by your doctor (prescribed). Usually taken twice daily when used to heal ulcers or treat GERD, but may be taken as a single daily dose at night time. Talk to your doctor about the most convenient dosing for you. Antacids may be taken alongside ranitidine if needed for gastric-acid associated pain. Effervescent forms of ranitidine for adults should be dissolved in a 6-8 ounce glass of water prior to ingestion. 25mg effervescent tablets for children should be dissolved in more than 5mL of water and the resultant solution administered to the child with a dropper or oral syringe. Effervescent tablets should not be chewed, swallowed whole or dissolved on the tongue. Do not self-medicate with ranitidine if you: are over the age of 40 and this is the first time you have had heartburn or indigestion; have a family history of gastric cancer; have coughing spells; use NSAIDs anti-inflammatories (such as aspirin or ibuprofen); have difficulty or pain when swallowing; already take other drugs (other than antacids) for indigestion or heartburn; are pregnant or breastfeeding; have acute porphyria (do not use ranitidine at all); or have blood in your vomit or stools. Instead, make an appointment with your doctor. Phenylketonurics should avoid Zantac EFFERdose which contains aspartame which is metabolized to phenylalanine. Smoking can affect how well ranitidine works and how quickly duodenal ulcers heal. Some symptoms of stomach cancer may be similar to heartburn. Seek medical advice if your symptoms are persistent or severe. Response and Effectiveness Peak effects are reached two to three hours after taking a 150mg dose. Symptomatic relief for GERD occurs within 24 hours after starting therapy with ranitidine. One 150mg dose of ranitidine substantially inhibits secretion of gastric acid for approximately 9.5 hours. Food does not appear to affect absorption of ranitidine or peak concentrations. View as a slideshow References Zantac (ranitidine) [Package Insert]. Revised 08/2016. GlaxoSmithKline LLC https://www.drugs.com/pro/zantac.html What Are the Key Statistics About Stomach Cancer? American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/stomach-cancer/about/key-statistics.html Print this page More about ranitidine Side Effects During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding Dosage Information Drug Images Drug Interactions Compare Alternatives Support Group Pricing & Coupons En Español 95 Reviews Add your own review/rating Drug class: H2 antagonists Consumer resources Ranitidine Ranitidine Injection Ranitidine Suspension Ranitidine Tablets and Capsules Ranitidine Syrup Other brands: Zantac , Zantac 150 , Zantac 75 , Zantac 300 , ... +2 more Professional resources Ranitidine Hydrochloride (AHFS Monograph) ... +6 more Related treatment guides GERD Gastric Ulcer Maintenance Treatment Duodenal Ulcer Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions ... +11 more Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use ranitidine only for the indication prescribed. Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. It is an informational resource designed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugs.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of this information. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Copyright 1996-2017 Drugs.com. Revision Date: 2017-07-31 22:48:46 Drug Status Rx OTC Availability Rx and/or OTC B Pregnancy Category No proven risk in humans N/A CSA Schedule Not a controlled drug Approval History Drug history at FDA Manufacturers Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Inc. Lannett Company, Inc. Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. Sandoz Inc. Wockhardt USA LLC Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Inc. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA Nostrum Laboratories, Inc. AvKare, Inc. More... Drug Class H2 antagonists Related Drugs GERD omeprazole , pantoprazole , famotidine , Nexium , Prilosec , Protonix , More... Erosive Esophagitis omeprazole , pantoprazole , famotidine , Nexium , Prilosec , Protonix , More... Duodenal Ulcer omeprazole , pantoprazole , famotidine , Prilosec , Protonix , calcium carbonate , More... Gastric Ulcer Maintenance Treatment Zantac , Zantac 150 , Zantac 75 , Zantac 300 , Deprizine , Taladine , More... 9 more conditions... Ranitidine Rating 95 User Reviews 7.9 /10 95 User Reviews 7.9 Rate it! Ranitidine Images Ranitidine systemic 150 mg (IP 253 ) View all images pattern
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