Ranitidine HCl Oral - 75 MG

Uses

Ranitidine is known as an H2 histamine blocker. It works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. It is used to prevent and treat heartburn and other symptoms caused by too much acid in the stomach (acid indigestion).

How to use Ranitidine HCl Oral

To treat heartburn and acid indigestion, take 1 tablet with a glass of water as needed, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole without chewing. Ranitidine can be taken with or without food.

To prevent heartburn and acid indigestion, take ranitidine 30-60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that can cause indigestion.

Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by your doctor. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Stop taking this medication and call your doctor promptly if your symptoms continue after you begin taking it, or if they do not improve after you have been taking this medication for 14 days in a row. Do not take this medication for more than 14 days in a row without talking with your doctor.

Before taking ranitidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other acid blockers (e.g., cimetidine, famotidine); or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain blood disorder (porphyria), kidney problems, liver problems, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors).

Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Tell your doctor immediately if you have: chest pain or shoulder/jaw pain (especially with trouble breathing), heartburn combined with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, heartburn for longer than 3 months, nausea/vomiting, pain spreading to arms/neck/shoulders, persistent stomach pain, black stools, difficult/painful swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds.

This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Do not use this medication in children younger than 12 unless directed by the doctor.

During pregnancy, this medication should only be used if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

Ranitidine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES:

Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and diet changes (e.g., avoiding caffeine, certain spices) may increase the effectiveness of this medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.

MISSED DOSE:

Not applicable.

STORAGE:

Store between 36-77 degrees F (2-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Headache, dizziness, constipation or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these rare but very serious side effects: vomiting, severe stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are taking this medication under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: atazanavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, metoprolol, triazolam.

Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain aspirin or aspirin-like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) that can cause stomach irritation/ulcers. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

This medication and similar acid blockers (e.g., cimetidine, famotidine) are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Do not take them at the same time.

Ranitidine may interfere with certain laboratory tests (e.g., urine protein), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.