Ranitidine

Ranitidine was withdrawn from the market in the United States in April 2020. It belongs to a group of drugs called histamine-2 blockers. It works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces. It has been used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also was used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Introduction

Generic name : Ranitidine

Storage : Store below 30°C

Drug class : H2 antagonists

Uses

  • Treatment of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Acid reflux)

  • Treatment of Peptic ulcer disease

Benefits

  • In Treatment of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Acid reflux)

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition.

  • It happens because a muscle above your stomach relaxes too much and allows stomach contents to come back up into your esophagus and mouth.

  • Ranitidine belongs to a group of medicines called H2-receptor antagonists.

  • It reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes and relieves the pain associated with heartburn and acid reflux. You should take it exactly as it is prescribed for it to be effective.

  • Some simple lifestyle changes can help stop or reduce heartburn.

  • Think about what foods trigger heartburn and try to avoid them, eat smaller more frequent meals, try to lose weight if you are overweight and try to find ways to relax. Do not eat within 3–4 hours of going to bed.

Ranitidine side effects

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • Stomach pain, loss of appetite;

  • Dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

  • Fever, chills, cough with mucus, chest pain, feeling short of breath;

  • Fast or slow heart rate;

  • Easy bruising or bleeding; or

  • Problems with your skin or hair.

Other common side effects may include the following

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Stomach pain

  • Diarrhea

  • Constipation.

Warnings

  • Ranitidine has been withdrawn from the market in the United States. Some of the contents of this leaflet are preserved for historical purposes only.

  • Using ranitidine may increase your risk of developing pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia include chest pain, fever, feeling short of breath, and coughing up green or yellow mucus.

  • Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of developing pneumonia.

  • Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ranitidine.

  • Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or porphyria.

  • Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack.

  • Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.

  • Ranitidine granules and effervescent tablets must be dissolved in water before you take them. Your doctor may recommend an antacid to help relieve pain.

  • Carefully follow your doctor’s directions about the type of antacid to use, and when to use it. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of damage to your stomach. It may take up to 8 weeks of using this medicine before your ulcer heals.

  • For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment.

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