| Generic Name:
Ranitidine
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| Drug Class:
H2-blockers
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| Description |
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Zantac(Ranitidine) reduces the amount of acid in your stomach. It is used to treat and prevent ulcers, to treat gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and to treat conditions associated with excessive acid secretion.
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| Proper
Use |
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Zantac(Ranitidine) is best taken with or immediately after meals. Antacids and sucralfate can block the effect of this medication. If you are taking an antacid in addition to this medication, separate the doses of each medication by at least one half hour. If you are taking sucralfate in addition to this medication, take the ranitidine 2 hours before the sucralfate. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too soon may delay healing of the ulcer.
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| Side
Effects |
Nausea, diarrhea, headache, or dizziness may occur at first as your body adjusts to Zantac(Ranitidine). If these effects persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you experience: unusual bleeding or bruising, pounding chest pain, rash, difficulty sleeping, mental changes, extreme weakness.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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| Precautions |
Before using Zantac(Ranitidine), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heartburn combined with lightheadedness or sweating or dizziness, chest pain or shoulder/jaw pain especially with shortness of breath, pain spreading to arms or neck or shoulders, unexplained weight loss, liver or kidney problems, tobacco use (smoking), other stomach problems (e.g., tumors), any allergies (including drug allergies).
Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors before taking Zantac(Ranitidine).
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| Drug
Interactions |
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you may use, especially of: ketoconazole, itraconazole, triazolam.
Zantac(Ranitidine) is available in both prescription and over-the-counter formulations. Do not take both at the same time.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval
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| Overdose |
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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 breathing, fast heartbeat, tremors, vomiting, restlessness, weakness, fatigue, or dizziness.
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| Missed
Dose |
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If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
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| Storage |
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Store between 36 and 77 degrees F (between 2 and 25 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
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| Disclaimer |
| The above
information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using this drug. |
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