Ranitidine

Molecule Description

Ranitidine belongs to the group of medications called as histamine receptor ant

agonist.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Ranitidine

In the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease- when acid from stomach comes up in the food pipe causing heartburn, dyspepsia, pain.
In stomach ulcers and ulcers in the first part of the gut (intestine)
Given along with medicines ( such as ibuprofen, diclofenac etc) which are known to increase stomach acidity and can cause ulcers
It is sometimes used to prevent stress ulcers, aspiration of stomach acid during anesthesia
It is used along with antibiotics for stomach infection (H pylori)

Contraindications of Ranitidine

When should one not use Ranitidine

Do not take if you are allergic to Ranitidine.

Side effects of Ranitidine

Common side effects of this drug are:

Headache
Liver problems
Stomach pain, constipation
Jaundice
Unusual weakness
Changes in heart rhythm
Hair loss, blurred vision
Aches and pain in your muscles and joints (rare)
Swollen, tender or leaking breasts (rare)
Impotence (rare)
Allergic reaction (Serious)
Kidney problems such as back pain, fever, pain when passing urine, blood in the Urine and changes in blood tests (Serious)
Severe stomach pain , this can be serious condition called ‘pancreatitis’
A slow or irregular heartbeat (Serious)

Precautions and Warnings of Ranitidine

Pregnancy

Can I take Ranitidine during pregnancy?

Ranitidine is probably safe in pregnancy. Take it only if your doctor prescribes it to you in pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Ranitidine while breastfeeding?

Maternal ranitidine is not expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. No special precautions are required. Take it only if your doctor prescribes it to you when you are breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Ranitidine?

No special precautions are required as does not affect driving ability

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Ranitidine?

Alcohol increases acidity, heartburn. It is recommended to avoid excessive alcohol consumption with ranitidine as it can worsen your underlying disease.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

If you have difficulty swallowing
If you have a rare condition called porphyria (too much pigment called porphyrin which may discolor the urine)
If you have stomach cancer
If you are above 65 years of age
If you have kidney or liver problems

Mode of Action of Ranitidine

How Does It Work?

Stomach produces acid to digest food. When this acid is produced in excess, it can lead to acidity and heartburn. Ranitidine is an H2 histamine receptor antagonist that works by blocking histamine, an...

Interactions of Ranitidine

Interactions with other medicines

Warfarin
Midazolam
Glipizide
Ketoconazole
Metformin
Triazolam

Interactions with food items

No known interactions

Dosage of Ranitidine

Overdose

Symptoms of ranitinide overdose includes irregular heartbeat, confusion, GI disturbances(nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) difficulty in breathing, dilated pupils, drowsiness, flushing, low blood pressure,...

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose take it as soon as you remember.If it is time for your next scheduled dose then skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

References

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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