RANITIDINE 75MG - ORAL (ran-IT-uh-deen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Acid Reducer, Zantac 75

USES:
This medication reduces the amount of acid in your stomach. It is used to relieve symptoms of heartburn, indigestion and sour stomach. Ranitidine is also used to prevent heartburn from certain foods or beverages.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION:
This medication is usually taken only when it is needed, up to twice daily (2 tablets in 24 hours). It is best taken with, or immediately after, meals to relieve symptoms of heartburn. To prevent heartburn symptoms, ranitidine should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that may cause heartburn. If you are taking sucralfate, ranitidine should be taken at least 2 hours before the sucralfate dose.

SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, diarrhea, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, or trouble sleeping may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects:
trouble breathing, muscle pain, joint pain, blurred vision, itching, rash, fever. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects:
irregular heartbeat (e.g., unusually fast or slow heartbeat), chest pain, mental/mood changes, stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual bleeding or bruising. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:
If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor before using this medication:
kidney disease, liver disease, other stomach problems (e.g., lumps, severe pain), any allergies to other heartburn medications. Smoking can help cause ulcers and can prevent them from healing. Smoking should be avoided. Alcohol can irritate the stomach and cause bleeding. Consult your doctor about the safe use of alcohol. Talk to your doctor about the safe use of this product for children. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. Ranitidine passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of:
ketoconazole, itraconazole, triazolam. This medication is available in both prescription and over-the- counter formulations. Do not take both at the same time. Ranitidine may affect the results of certain medical/laboratory tests (e.g., urine protein). Be sure to tell your doctor you are taking ranitidine. All nonprescription/prescription aspirin or aspirin-like medicine can cause stomach irritation/ulcers. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, tremors, vomiting, restlessness, weakness, fatigue, or dizziness.

NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others. Your doctor may recommend some lifestyle changes such as stop- smoking programs, diet changes, and exercise to help treat and prevent heartburn.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 36 and 86 degrees F (2 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.