Ranitidine

Ranitidine is used in combination with antibiotics to treat peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It can also be used to gaurd against duodenal ulcers in people taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) who could be prone to ulcers. As well as reducing the discomfort and ulceration of reflux oesophagitis it may prevent stress ulceration and gastric bleeding in severely ill patients. By reducing the amount of stomach acid produced ranitidine allows ulcers to heal.

A course of ranitidine is usually given over a period of 4 weeks to eight weeks. further courses may be given if symptom reccur. Many drugs are broken down in the liver, ranitidine does not affect the actions of enzymes in the liver, unlike a similar drug cimetidine. Ranitidine will not increase blood levels of other drugs such as anticoagulants and anticonvulsants, which may reduce the effectiveness of treatment. As ranitidine heals the stomach lining most people will experience no serious side effects. Ranitidine may mask stomach cancer, and would normally be prescribed after the possibility of stomach cancer has been ruled out. Ranitidine is also used alongside fexofenadine and other antihistamines for the treatment of skin conditions such as hives.

Ranitidine increases absorption and decreases excretion of amphetamines. Ranitidine can also be taken separately with amphetamines based in sulphate (amphetamine sulphate) to increase its central effects and half-life. If you wish to read the history and development of this medication. Check it out here

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Quick Guide

• Anti-ulcer medication with overdose danger – LOW.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – yes. to other preperations, and NO to tablets (in limited quantities)
• Available as generic – YES.
• Alcohol Avoidance – Yes.
• Alcohol could aggravate your condition and reduce the benefits of ranitidine

Side Effects

You may if on this medication suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Dizziness, Headaches.
Rare: Constipation, Diarrhoea, Fever, Jaundice, Nausea, Sore Throat, Vomiting, Mental Problem.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using this medication It does not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

There would be no problems expected with long term use of this medication.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

There are no known problems. Alcohol should be avoided as it may aggravate your condition and reduce the beneficial effects of this drug.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

It is not known how this drug would affect you as safety in pregnancy has not been established. The drug does pass into the breast milk and may cause concern. Do not take ranitidine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. You should consult with your doctor and be guided by his/her advice.

Ranitidine is classified as a pregnancy Category B medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category B… Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the foetus and 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 foetus in any trimester.

Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

See full list of things you should tell your doctor about.»

Over 60’s & Children

There are no special problems for the over-sixties. A reduced dose would be given to infants and children.

Overdose

If you notice unusual symptom or if a large overdose has been taken you should notify your doctor. However, having said that if an unintentional extra dose has been taken it is unlikely to be source for concern.

Other Medication Reactions

High doses of sucralfate may reduce the absorption of ranitidine. However it would be all right to take sucralfate a least 2 hours after you have taken ranitidine. If you take ketoconazole, Ranitidine may reduce the absorption of ketoconazole, So you should take ranitidine at least 2 hours after taking ketoconazole.

Missed A Dose

If for some reason you forget to take your medication, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Ideally you would have already checked with your doctor. Failing this ring the surgery or check next time you see your doctor for guide lines on missing a dosage.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

It is important that you do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor. It is possible that the symptoms will recur.

Effect Of Medication

The effects of ranitidine could be felt within 1 hour and has a lasting duration of up to 12 hours.

Storage and Safety

• Keep medicine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach of children.
• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• Never take medication that has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not discard old or unwanted medication / drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all un-used or old medicines / drugs to your pharmacist.

If this medication has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.