Ranitidine (Zantac)

Uses

Ranitidine is an H2 receptor antagonist which works by blocking the H2 receptors in the stomach in order to decrease acid production. Ranitidine is used to treat conditions such as heartburn, esophagitis and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. Ranitidine may also be used for other conditions.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth with water.

If you are only taking it once per day, take it at bedtime.

Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.

If you miss a dose

, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

It may take a few days before this medication begins to work. Notify your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or get worse.

Avoid cigarettes and alcohol consumption while on this medication. This will decrease acid production and irritation of the stomach.

Notify your doctor right away if you vomit coffee ground like material or have tarry, black stools. This could indicate a bleeding stomach ulcer.

The following can help to treat heartburn

Losing weight if you are overweight, elevating the head of your bed, eating smaller meals, decreasing dietary fat intake(see nutrition section), not eating 2-3 hours before lying down, and monitoring your lifestyle for triggers of heartburn and removing them. Common triggers of heartburn include spicy or greasy foods, juices, soda, alcohol, and smoking.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Kidney disease, liver disease, porphyria, history of allergic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reactions(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, agitation, depression, hallucinations, anxiety, breast size changes(males and females), unusual bleeding or bruising, vomiting, excessive fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, any red, blistering or peeling skin.

Other Side Effects

Constipation, dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea

Adult Dose

Duodonal Ulcer Disease, Benign Gastric Ulcer or Gastritis

150 mg by mouth twice daily.

OR

300 mg by mouth once daily taken at bedtime or after evening meal.

Gastric Ulcer Maintenance

150 mg by mouth once daily taken at bedtime.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

150 mg twice daily by mouth.

Zollinger Ellison Syndrome

150 mg by mouth twice daily.

Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis

150 mg by mouth twice daily.

H Pylori

Quadruple Therapy:

Ranitidine 150 mg by mouth twice daily WITH metronidazole 250 mg by mouth four times daily, AND bismuth subsalicylate 525 mg by mouth four times daily, AND tetracycline hydrochloride 500 mg by mouth four times daily for 10-14 days.

Sources

1. Zantac 150 and 300 (ranitidine) tablets [package insert]. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline; 2015.

2. Zantac 150 (ranitidine) tablets [package insert]. Ridgefield, CT: Boehringer Ingelheim; 2014.

3. Kahrilas PJ, Fennerty MB, Joelsson B. High-versus standard-dose ranitidine for control of heartburn in poorly responsive acid reflux disease: a prospective, controlled trial. Am J Gastroenterol 1999;94:92-7.