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Ranitidine

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Ranitidne reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
The most commonly experienced side-effects are diarrhoea, dizziness and tiredness. These effects are usually mild and do not last long.

About ranitidine

Type of medicine	H2-receptor antagonist
Used for	Conditions caused by too much acid being produced in the stomach. To treat irritation and ulceration of the stomach caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Also called	Histac®; Ranitil®; Zantac®
Available as	Tablets, effervescent tablets, oral liquid and injection

Ranitidine is used to treat certain conditions caused by too much acid being produced in the stomach, such as stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers), ulcers of the upper part of the intestine (duodenal ulcers), reflux oesophagitis (acid reflux or heartburn) and Zollinger-Ellison disease.

Ranitidine can also be used to treat irritation and ulceration of the stomach caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Acid is produced naturally in the stomach to help digest food. Excessive amounts of acid can irritate the stomach lining, causing inflammation, ulcers and other conditions.

Ranitidine works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, relieving pain and helping to repair the damage.

Before taking ranitidine

Before taking ranitidine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from kidney problems.
If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take ranitidine

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you have been prescribed ranitidine effervescent tablets, dissolve them in water to take them.
Try not to miss any doses. If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

Do not smoke. Smoking increases the amount of acid produced by the stomach and will aggravate your condition.
Try to avoid foods that may upset your stomach such as, alcohol, citrus fruits and juices, drinks containing caffeine, tomatoes and spicy food.

Can ranitidine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Diarrhoea	Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain killer
Stomach upset, dizziness, skin rash, and tiredness	Speak with your doctor if troublesome

Important: If you experience any unexplained fever, sore throat, bruising, or swelling of the face and mouth with difficulty breathing, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store ranitidine

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID:
3811

DocRef:
dils3823

Last Updated:
3 Jun 2008

Date of Next Review:
3 Jun 2010

Version:
22

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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