Ranitidine

Ranitidine is used for treating certain conditions that cause your body to make too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). It is also used to treat ulcers of the small intestine that have not responded to other treatment.

Ranitidine is an H2-receptor blocker. It works by blocking the action of histamine in the stomach. This reduces the amount of acid the stomach makes. Reducing stomach acid helps to reduce heartburn, to heal irritation of the esophagus, and to heal ulcers of the stomach or intestines.

Do not use Ranitidine if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Ranitidine;
• you have a history of porphyria (a blood disease).

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of kidney or liver problems
• if you have abnormal blood electrolyte levels or a history of irregular heartbeat.

• Certain benzodiazepines (eg, midazolam), glipizide, or procainamide because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Ranitidine
• Certain HIV protease inhibitors (eg, atazanavir), dasatinib, delavirdine, gefitinib, itraconazole, or ketoconazole because their effectiveness may be decreased by Ranitidine

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; diarrhea; headache; nausea; stomach upset.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); confusion; dark urine; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; severe or persistent headache or stomach pain; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

If you have any questions about Ranitidine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Ranitidine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.