Ranitidine
Molecule Description
Ranitidine belongs to the group of medications called as histamine receptor ant
agonist.
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
Q:
Can I take Ranitidine during pregnancy?
A:
Ranitidine is probably safe in pregnancy. Take it only if your doctor prescribes it to you in pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Ranitidine while breastfeeding?
A:
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
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Ranitidine?
A:
No special precautions are required as does not affect driving ability
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Ranitidine?
A:
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, and thus, decreases the amount of acid released by stomach cells....
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,
slurred speech, sweating, etc. Seek emergency medical attention immediately in case of overdose....
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
View All
- Lactmed.ranitidine. [Accessed 17.Jun.2019] (online) Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Ranitidine. [Updated 2018 Oct 31].
- Ema.ranitidine. [Accessed 17.Jun.2019] (online)
- Ema.ranitidine. [Accessed 17.Jun.2019] (online)
- Webmed.ranitidine. [Accessed 17.Jun.2019] (online)
- Dailymed.ranitidine. [Accessed 17.Jun.2019] (online)
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