Ranitidine

Ranitidine — Uses and Benefits

Ranitidine is mainly used to treat conditions caused by excess stomach acid.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treating and preventing stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers
• Managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn
• Treating conditions with excess acid production such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Preventing acid-related damage to the food pipe (esophagitis)
• Providing relief from acid indigestion and sour stomach

HOW IT WORKS

• It blocks histamine H2-receptors present in the stomach lining
• This action reduces the amount of acid the stomach produces
• Lowering acid levels helps heal ulcers and relieves symptoms of reflux and heartburn

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not used to treat bacterial infections such as H. pylori on its own
• It is not a painkiller and does not treat general body pain
• It is not meant for long-term use without medical supervision
• It should not be used as a substitute for lifestyle changes in reflux disease unless advised by a doctor

How to Use Ranitidine

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually by mouth
• Can be taken with or without food, as advised
• Swallow tablets with a glass of water; do not crush unless instructed
• If using syrup form, use the measuring cup or spoon provided
• Continue for the full duration advised, even if you feel better

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one
• Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one
• If you miss doses often, set a reminder or ask your pharmacist for help

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Dispose of unused or expired medicine safely, do not flush down the drain

Ranitidine — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Dizziness

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Skin rash
• Tiredness
• Sleep disturbances
• Mild joint or muscle pain

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips, or throat, and difficulty breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Severe stomach pain
• Confusion, especially in elderly patients

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Ranitidine — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to ranitidine or any other H2-receptor blocker
• Have a known history of acute porphyria
• Have been advised against it due to a specific medical condition by your doctor

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have kidney or liver disease
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are elderly, as you may be more prone to side effects
• Have a history of stomach cancer or unexplained weight loss along with stomach symptoms
• Are taking other medicines regularly, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Certain antifungal medicines that need stomach acid for absorption
• Blood thinners such as warfarin
• Medicines used to treat HIV
• Certain medicines for irregular heartbeat
• Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking before starting this one

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine daily for a long time?

Long-term use should only be done under a doctor's supervision, as it may mask serious underlying conditions.

Is this medicine safe during pregnancy?

It should only be used during pregnancy if your doctor feels it is clearly necessary.

Can this medicine be taken with antacids?

• Antacids may be taken but usually a gap of a couple of hours is advised; check with your pharmacist for guidance.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.