Information about Ranitidine (Generic Zantac) :


Ranitidine is a histamine-2 blockers that is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines, any other conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It reduces the amount of acid production in your stomach. It may also be administered to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), conditions that cause increased acid secretion, and esophagitis.

Ranitidine may be also administered to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

You should not use Ranitidine in case you have any condition mentioned below: kidney disease; liver disease; or porphyria.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this medicine.

Be aware that Ranitidine may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the next: alcohol containing beverages; alendronate; antacids; cefditoren; cefpodoxime; cefuroxime; delavirdine; enoxacin; glipizide; glyburide; iron supplements; itraconazole; ketoconazole; metformin; nifedipine; propantheline; theophylline; triazolam; warfarin.

Patients with phenylketonuria should be aware that the tablet forms of Ranitidine contain phenylalanine.

Ranitidine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. It is not expected to be deleterious to fetus. You should not use this drug without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan pregnancy during the course of treatment. It is known that Ranitidine passes into breast milk. Consult with your doctor in case you are breast-feeding a baby.

You may have unusual results with certain medical tests while taking this medication. Notice any doctor that you are taking Ranitidine.

You may be more susceptible to pneumonia while using this medication if you have diabetes, lung disease, a weak immune system, or if you are elderly. Consult with your doctor about your individual risk.

How to use Ranitidine:
You should use Ranitidine as recommended by your doctor. Drink a glass of water with this medicine.

Dissolve the ranitidine effervescent tablet in water before taking each dose. Tablets or granules should be swallowed whole without chewing, or dissolving on the tongue.

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking ranitidine, unless otherwise recommended by your physician.

Zantac 150 mg dose tablet should be placed the in a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Wait and allow the tablet to completely dissolve, and then drink the entire mixture.

Zantac 25 mg dose tablet should be placed in at least 1 teaspoon of water. Wait and allow the tablet to completely dissolve, and then drink the entire mixture. In case you give this medicine to a child, place this mixture in a medicine dropper or syringe.

You should mix Ranitidine granules with 6 to 8 ounces of water before drinking.

The liquid form of Ranitidine should be measured with a special marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. In case you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Ranitidine syrup may be given to an infant or child by medicine dropper or oral syringe.

Do not give up using Ranitidine without doctor permission. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal.

Ranitidine should be stored at indoor temperature. Keep it away from moisture, heat, and light.

In case you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But do not take extra dose in situation when you forget to take Ranitidine and it is near the time for the next intake. Wait and take next dose according to the schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up for a missed one.

Overdosage:
In case an overdose is suspected, seek emergency. Symptoms of an overdose are weakness, lack of coordination, severe nausea or vomiting, and a fast heartbeat.

Possible side effects of Ranitidine:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: headache (may be severe); decreased sex drive, impotence; swollen or tender breasts (in men); nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or diarrhea or constipation.

Stop taking Ranitidine and seek emergency in case you have any of these severe signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You should call your doctor immediately in case you have any of these serious side effects: easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; fast or uneven heartbeats; or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture. It may be different for various batches.