Rantidine

What is the brand name for this medicine?
Zantac

What is this medicine used for?
This medicine is used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and the lower OTC dose is used to relieve the symptoms of heartburn.

How does this medicine work?
This family of drugs is commonly referred to as acid-blockers prevent the release of acid into the stomach by blocking a chemical called histamine.

How is this medicine taken?
Ranitidine may be taken with or without food. If taken to prevent heartburn after meals, it is normally recommended 30 minutes to one hour before the meal.
Magnesium-containing antacids or supplements may decrease the absorption of ranitidine, so this can be avoided by dosing with ranitidine 2 hours before or after taking the magnesium product.

What if I miss a dose?
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

How is this medicine stored?
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Keep away from heat and light.

Are there side effects?
Side effects from this medicine are rare, and may include headache, dizziness, and diarrhea or possibly constipation. More rare but also possible are blurred vision, malaise, and arthralgia (joint pain).

Are there precautions with this medicine?
Patients with impaired kidney or liver function should exercise caution in using ranitidine as there is possibility of decreased clear ance of the medication in both cases.

What about interactions with other drugs?
These include the following possibilities; ranitidine decreases the absorption of diazepam. Ranitidine may interfere with clearance of warfarin (anticoagulant), prolonging clotting time. Ranitidine may also increase the blood glucose lowering effect of the sulfonylureas (examples, glyburide and glipizide), so dosages may need to be adjusted. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Can I take this medicine if I’m pregnant or breast-feeding?
The drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and the benefit outweighs the known risk.
Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should also use with caution. Ranitidine is known to be excreted in breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you plan to breast-feed.

General Information:
Nutrients which may be depleted by ranitidine: include calcium, Vitamin B-12, folic acid, iron, Vitamin D, and zinc.