What Is Ranitidine?
The drug was taken off the market in the United States in April 2020.Ranitidine is part of a family of drugs referred to as histamine-2 blockers. It is a drug that reduces how much acid your stomach produces.
Ranitidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach as well as the intestines. It is also used to treat ailments that cause the stomach to produce excessive acid, for instance, the Zollinger-Ellison disorder.
Ranitidine is also prescribed in the treatment of gastroesophageal resuscitation disease (GERD) and other ailments where acid flows through the stomach and into the esophagus. This causes heartburn.An impurity that causes cancer in many of the ranitidine drugs could rise to unacceptable levels over time, especially when stored at high temperatures. This is why the FDA has urged all manufacturers of ranitidine to remove this medication from the market in the United States.
Warnings
Ranitidine has been removed from the marketplace across the United States. Certain of the information contained in this leaflet has been preserved for historical reasons only.
Running on ranitidine could increase the risk of getting pneumonia. Signs of pneumonia include chest discomfort as well as fever, feeling short of breath, and coughing up yellow or green mucus. Consult your doctor about the specific risk of contracting pneumonia.Avoid using this drug if you are intolerant to ranitidine.Speak with a pharmacist or doctor to determine if it's appropriate for you to take this medication in the event of liver disease, kidney disease, or porphyria.
Heartburn is frequently mistaken for the initial signs of an attack on the heart. Get medical attention immediately in the event of chest pain or a heavy feeling and pain that extends to the shoulder or arm, nausea, sweating, or a general feeling of discomfort.Tablets containing effervescent and granulated Ranitidine need to dissolve in water before you consume them. Your physician may suggest an antacid to ease discomfort. Be sure to follow the instructions of your doctor on the type of antacid you should use and the appropriate time to apply it. Beware of drinking alcohol. This can increase the risk of stomach damage. It could take up to 8 weeks after taking this medication before the ulcer is healed. For the best results, you should continue taking the medication according to the instructions. Discuss this with your doctor in the event that your symptoms don't improve after six months of therapy.
Before you Take this Drug
If you have been taking prescription-strength ranitidine, Before you stop taking the medicine, ask your doctor about safer treatment options.If you've been taking prescription over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine, stop taking the drug and consult your physician or pharmacist for other accepted OTC stomach acid-reducing agents.
Heartburn could be the first sign of a heart attack. Seek medical attention immediately when you experience chest pain that is spreading to your shoulder or jaw and when you are feeling anxious or lightheaded.
Before you take any OTC medication to lower stomach acid, consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine if the medicine is suitable for you in the event that you have any other medical issues or allergies.Discuss with your doctor before taking an OTC stomach acid medicine in case you are nursing or are pregnant.
How to take Ranitidine?
Since ranitidine was removed from the shelves within the U.S., some of the information contained in this leaflet was created to be used for historical reasons only.
Follow the directions for taking ranitidine on the label or as directed by your physician.
Make sure to measure the liquid medicine with care. Use the syringe for dosing or a dose-measuring device (not an ordinary spoon).It can take up to 8 weeks to heal your ulcer. Use your medication according to the directions, and contact your physician if your symptoms don't improve after six weeks.
The doctor might recommend an antacid for relief from discomfort. Follow your doctor's instructions on the type of antacid to use and the appropriate time to use it.Keep at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you are able, but do not take your missed dose if you are close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
The symptoms of an overdose can include a lack of coordination. It could also cause you to feel lightheaded or faint.
What Should be Avoided?
You shouldn’t stop taking prescription-strength ranitidine until you ask your doctor to prescribe another medication. Talk with your doctor as soon as possible about how best to treat your condition.Do not drink alcohol. It could increase the chance of stomach ulcers.
Side effects Of Ranitidine
See a doctor immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you exhibit symptoms of an allergy reaction with the drug ranitidine, such as hives, breathing difficulties, and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.
Do not take this medication and call your doctor right away in the event of:
- Stomach pain, nausea;
- Jaundice, dark urine (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- Cough, chills, fever with mucus, and chest pain Feeling short of breath.
- Heart rate, either fast or low;
- Bleeding or bruising easily.
- Problems with your skin or hair.
Common side effects of ranitidine include:
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain,
- diarrhea, constipation.
This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with Other Drugs
A variety of drugs may interact with ranitidine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all interactions are included in this list. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and any other medications you are about to start or stop taking.
