Ranitidine HCl Oral - LIQUID

Uses

Ranitidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines and prevent them from returning after treatment. This medication is also used to treat and prevent certain stomach and throat (esophagus) problems caused by too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis) or a backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD).

Ranitidine is known as an H2 histamine blocker. It works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. This helps heal and prevent ulcers and improves symptoms such as heartburn and stomach pain.

How to use Ranitidine HCl Oral

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. It may be prescribed 4 times a day for some conditions. If you are taking this medication once daily, it is usually taken after the evening meal or before bedtime.

Measure the dose carefully using a measuring spoon or a special medication spoon available from your pharmacist. Do not use household spoons or you may not get the correct dose.

The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, dosage may also be based on body weight. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. You may take other medications (e.g., antacids) for your condition as recommended by your doctor.

Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. Do not stop taking this without your doctor's approval because this may delay healing of the ulcer.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Before taking ranitidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other H2 histamine 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).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: immune system problems, kidney problems, liver problems, lung diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), other stomach problems (e.g., tumors).

Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Tell your doctor immediately if you have: heartburn combined with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest pain or shoulder/jaw pain (especially with trouble breathing), pain spreading to arms/neck/shoulders, unexplained weight loss.

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

This liquid product may contain alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially confusion and dizziness.

Ranitidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

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. Symptoms of overdose may include difficulty walking, severe dizziness/fainting.

NOTES:

Do not share this medication with others.

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.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., endoscopy, kidney function tests) may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE:

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:

Store in a tightly closed, light-resistant container away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Consult your pharmacist or the product label for proper storage temperature.

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.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blurred vision, mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, confusion, depression, hallucinations).

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, enlarged breasts, severe tiredness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, cough), severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing skin/eyes.

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.

Before taking ranitidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other H2 histamine 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).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: immune system problems, kidney problems, liver problems, lung diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), other stomach problems (e.g., tumors).

Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Tell your doctor immediately if you have: heartburn combined with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest pain or shoulder/jaw pain (especially with trouble breathing), pain spreading to arms/neck/shoulders, unexplained weight loss.

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

This liquid product may contain alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially confusion and dizziness.

Ranitidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

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