Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Histamine is a natural chemical thatstimulates the stomach cells to produce acid. Ranitidine belongs to aclass of medications, called H2-blockers, that block the action ofhistamine on stomach cells, thus reducing stomach acid production.

PREPARATIONS: Tablets (150 mg, 300 mg), Capsules (150 mg, 300mg);
Syrup (15 mg/ml)

STORAGE: Should be stored at room temperature in a tightlyclosed container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Ranitidine blocks the action of histamine onstomach cells, and reduces stomach acid production. Ranitidine is usefulin promoting healing of stomach and duodenal ulcers, and in reducing ulcerpain. Ranitidine has been effective in preventing ulcer recurrence whengiven in low doses for prolonged periods of time. In doses higher thanthat used in ulcer treatment, ranitidine has been helpful in treatingheartburn and in healing ulcer and inflammation of the esophagus resultingfrom acid reflux (reflux esophagitis).

DOSING: May be taken with or without food. Since ranitidine isexcreted by the kidney and metabolized by the liver, dosages of ranitidineneed to be lowered in patients with significantly abnormal liver or kidneyfunction.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Antacids may decrease the absorption ofranitidine. Safety of ranitidine in children has not been established.Ranitidine is not habit forming. Ranitidine can interfere with themetabolism of alcohol. Patients taking ranitidine who drink alcohol mayhave elevated blood alcohol levels.

SIDE EFFECTS: Minor side effects include constipation, diarrhea,fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting. Major sideeffects are rare; they include: agitation, anemia, confusion, depression,easy bruising or bleeding, hallucinations, hair loss, irregular heartbeat, rash, visual changes, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.