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Ranitidine |
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What is Ranitidine and why is it prescribed? Ranitidine is prescribed for the short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer and active benign gastric ulcer, and as maintenance therapy for gastric or duodenal ulcer, at a reduced dosage, after the ulcer has healed. It is also used for the treatment of conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and systemic mastocytosis, for gastroesophageal reflux disease and for healing erosive esophagitis. Some doctors prescribe Ranitidine to prevent damage to the stomach and duodenum from long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and to treat bleeding of the stomach and intestine. Ranitidine is also sometimes prescribed for stress-induced ulcers. Ranitidine helps to prevent the recurrence of gastric or duodenal ulcers and aids the healing of ulcers that do occur. How should you take Ranitidine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Ranitidine. Make sure you follow the diet your doctor recommends. Dissolve "Efferdose" tablets and granules in 6 to 8 ounces of water before taking them. You can take an antacid for pain while you are taking Ranitidine. If you miss a dose or Ranitidine take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store this medication at room temperature in the container it came in, tightly closed and away from moist places and direct light. Are there any Ranitidine side effects? Ranitidine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Ranitidine side effects may include headache, sometimes severe. Less common or rare Ranitidine side effects may include abdominal discomfort and pain, agitation, changes in blood count, changes in liver function, constipation, depression, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, hair loss, hallucinations, heart block, hepatitis, hypersensitivity reactions, inflamed blood vessels, inflammation of the pancreas, involuntary movements, irregular heartbeat, jaundice, joint pain, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat, rash, reduced white blood cells, reversible mental confusion, severe allergic reactions, sleepiness, slow heartbeat, swollen face and throat, vague feeling of bodily discomfort, vertigo, and yellow eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Ranitidine? If Ranitidine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Ranitidine with Alcohol, Blood-thinning drugs (such as Coumadin), Diazepam (Valium), Diltiazem (Cardizem), Enoxacin (Penetrex), Glipizide (Glucotrol), Glyburide (DiaBeta, Micronase), Itraconazole (Sporanox), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Metformin (Glucophage), Nifedipine (Procardia), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Procainamide (Procan SR), Sucralfate (Carafate), Theophylline (Theo-Dur), or Triazolam (Halcion). Are there any special warnings about Ranitidine? A stomach malignancy could be present, even if your symptoms have been relieved by Ranitidine. If you have kidney or liver disease, Ranitidine should be used with caution. If you have phenylketonuria, you should be aware that the "Efferdose" tablets and granules contain phenylalanine. |
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