Ranitidine

Ranitidine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Ranitidine is a brand name. Its generic name is Ranitidine.

Introduction

Ranitidine is a histamine-2(H2)-blocker used to treat and prevent stomach and duodenal ulcers, and to treat other stomach and gastrointestinal conditions. It is an over-the-counter drug, available both as a prescription and non-prescription medication.

Uses

Ranitidine is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid. It can also be used to prevent stress ulcers, to treat heartburn, and to reduce the occurrence of stomach or duodenal ulcers

Mechanism of Action

Ranitidine works by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach, therefore reducing the symptoms of heartburn and other gastrointestinal conditions. It does this by blocking histamine-2, which reduces the amount of acid production in the stomach in response to food.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

Ranitidine begins to reduce stomach acid production and improve symptoms within a few hours or days after the first dose. The maximum benefit is usually reached within 4 weeks.

Absorption

Ranitidine is well absorbed in the stomach and intestine. It has an oral absorption rate of 65-80%.

Route of Elimination

Ranitidine is eliminated by the kidneys through urine via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Its elimination half-life is 1-2 hours.

Dosage

Ranitidine is available in tablets, capsules, and suspension forms. The dosage forms and strengths are as follows:

• Tablet: 75 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg
• Capsules: 75 mg and 150 mg
• Suspension: 10 mg/mL

The usual adult dose for treatment of active duodenal ulcers is 150 mg to 300 mg twice daily. For maintenance of healing of duodenal ulcers, 150 mg once daily is recommended.

For treatment of esophageal reflux, the usual dose is 150 to 300 mg twice daily. For maintenance of healing of esophageal lesions, the recommended dose is 150 mg once daily.

For treatment of conditions involving excessive stomach acid, the recommended dose is 150 to 300 mg twice daily.

Administration

Ranitidine can be taken with or without food. It should be taken with a full glass of water to ensure that it is completely absorbed. It is important to consume the full amount of water that is recommended for each dose.

Side Effects

Common side effects of ranitidine include headache, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, rash, dizziness, and abdominal pain. Less common side effects may include muscle pain, joint pain, fever, mental confusion, and depression.

Toxicity

Ranitidine has a low toxicity and is generally well tolerated. Large doses may cause hypotension and can be fatal in cases of overdose.

Precautions

Ranitidine should be used with caution in people with kidney or liver disease, and those with a history of drug allergies.

Interactions

Ranitidine may interact with other medications including antacids, drugs used to treat heartburn, anti-seizure medications, certain antibiotics, and theophyllines.

Disease Interactions

Ranitidine should not be used in people with porphyria, a rare metabolic disorder. It should also be used with caution in people with severe kidney disease.

Drug Interactions

Ranitidine can interact with certain medications such as antacids, drugs used to treat heartburn, anti-seizure medications, certain antibiotics, and theophyllines. Be sure to discuss all medications you are taking with your healthcare provider before taking ranitidine.

Food Interactions

Ranitidine may interact with food. Consuming alcohol while taking ranitidine may increase the risk of side effects such as headache, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Pregnancy Use

Ranitidine should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Be sure to discuss the use of ranitidine with your healthcare provider before using it during pregnancy.

Lactation Use

Ranitidine is excreted in breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Therefore, it should be used with caution in breastfeeding women.

Acute Overdose

If an overdose of Ranitidine occurs, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include low blood pressure, dizziness, and unusual sleepiness.

Contraindication

Ranitidine is contraindicated in people who are allergic to the active ingredient in the drug.

Use Direction

Ranitidine should be taken as directed by your healthcare provider. The usual adult dose for treatment of active duodenal ulcers is 150 mg to 300 mg twice daily. For maintenance of healing of duodenal ulcers, 150 mg once daily is recommended.

Storage Condition

Ranitidine should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Volume of Distribution

The apparent volume of distribution for Ranitidine is 5L/kg.

Half Life

The half-life of Ranitidine is 1-2 hours.

Clearance

The clearance for Ranitidine is 10 mL/min/kg.

Here you find in details version of Ranitidine

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Ranitidine

What is Ranitidine?

Ranitidine is an over-the-counter and prescription histamine-2 blocker or H2 blocker used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES) and other conditions caused by too much acid in the stomach.

How does Ranitidine work?

Ranitidine works by inhibiting the production of acid in the stomach, thus reducing the symptoms of acid reflux. It can also protect the lining of the stomach from damage due to the excess stomach acid.

What is the brand name of Ranitidine?

The brand name of Ranitidine is Zantac.

What is the dosage of Ranitidine?

The dosage of Ranitidine depends on the medical condition and age of the patient; however, the usual dosage for adults in the treatment of acid reflux is 150 mg twice a day.

What are the side effects of Ranitidine?

The most common side effects of Ranitidine include headache, dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea. Other less common side effects include constipation, stomach pain, and rash.

Does Ranitidine interact with other medications?

Yes, Ranitidine can interact with other medications such as anticoagulants, sulfonylureas, and NSAIDs. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medication while taking Ranitidine.

What is the difference between Ranitidine and Famotidine?

Ranitidine and Famotidine are both H2 blockers used for treating acid reflux and GERD. The main difference between them is that Ranitidine is more effective for treating Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. In terms of side effects, Ranitidine may cause headaches and dizziness, while Famotidine may cause diarrhea.

Can I take Ranitidine while pregnant/breastfeeding?

It is not recommended to take Ranitidine while pregnant or breastfeeding as it may be harmful to the fetus or infant. Talk to your doctor before taking Ranitidine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

How long does it take for Ranitidine to work?

Ranitidine usually begins to work within an hour of taking it and continues to work for up to 12 hours.

Can I take Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Ranitidine together?

Yes, it is safe to take Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Ranitidine together.

Is Ranitidine a laxative?

No, Ranitidine is not a laxative.

How should I take Ranitidine?

Ranitidine should be taken with or without food as prescribed by a doctor. It is important to take Ranitidine exactly as prescribed and not to take more or less than recommended.

Can I take Ranitidine long-term?

Ranitidine can be taken long-term if it is necessary and advised by your doctor. It may be necessary to take Ranitidine long-term to treat certain conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.

What foods should I avoid while taking Ranitidine?

It is recommended to avoid eating any food that increases the production of acid in the stomach, such as alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and citrus fruits while taking Ranitidine.

Can Ranitidine cause weight gain?

No, there is no evidence to suggest that Ranitidine is linked to weight gain.

Can I take Omeprazole and Ranitidine together?

No, it is not recommended to take Omeprazole and Ranitidine together as they are both H2 blockers that work by suppressing acid production in the stomach.

Can I take vitamin C while taking Ranitidine?

Yes, it is safe to take vitamin C while taking Ranitidine.

Does Ranitidine raise blood pressure?

No, there is no evidence to suggest that Ranitidine is linked to increased blood pressure.

Can I take Ranitidine if I have diabetes?

Yes, it is safe to take Ranitidine if you have diabetes.

Can I take ibuprofen and Ranitidine together?

Yes, it is safe to take ibuprofen and Ranitidine together.

Can I take aspirin and Ranitidine together?

Yes, it is safe to take aspirin and Ranitidine together.

Does Ranitidine cause constipation?

Yes, Ranitidine can cause constipation in some people. If you experience constipation while taking Ranitidine, it is important to contact your doctor.

Can I take Pepto-Bismol and Ranitidine together?

No, it is not recommended to take Pepto-Bismol and Ranitidine together as they both contain bismuth, which can have adverse effects when taken together.

What is the best time of day to take Ranitidine?

The best time of day to take Ranitidine depends on the dosage prescribed by your doctor. However, as a general rule, it is best to take the medication after meals or before bedtime.

Can I take Axid and Ranitidine together?

No, it is not recommended to take Axid and Ranitidine together as they both contain similar active ingredients and can lead to an overdose.

Can Ranitidine cause liver damage?

Ranitidine is not known to cause liver damage; however, if you notice any signs or symptoms of liver damage, it is important to contact your doctor immediately.

Can I take synthroid and Ranitidine together?

Yes, it is safe to take synthroid and Ranitidine together.

Does Ranitidine cause weight loss?

No, there is no evidence to suggest that Ranitidine is linked to weight loss.

Can Ranitidine increase anxiety?

Yes, Ranitidine can increase anxiety in some people. If you experience anxiety while taking Ranitidine, it is important to contact your doctor.

Can Ranitidine cause diarrhea?

Yes, Ranitidine can cause diarrhea in some people. If you experience diarrhea while taking Ranitidine, it is important to contact your doctor.

Can I take Prilosec and Ranitidine together?

No, it is not recommended to take Prilosec and Ranitidine together as they both contain similar active ingredients and can lead to an overdose.

Can I take phentermine and Ranitidine together?

Yes, it is safe to take phentermine and Ranitidine together.

Can I take smellaid and Ranitidine together?

Yes, it is safe to take smellaid and Ranitidine together.

Can I take Zofran and Ranitidine together?

Yes, it is safe to take Zofran and Ranitidine together.

Can I take Allegra and Ranitidine together?

Yes, it is safe to take Allegra and Ranitidine together.

Can I take a multivitamin and Ranitidine together?

Yes, it is safe to take a multivitamin and Ranitidine together.

Can I take Tagamet and Ranitidine together?

No, it is not recommended to take Tagamet and Ranitidine together as they both contain similar active ingredients and can lead to an overdose.

Can Ranitidine cause stomach pain?

Yes, Ranitidine can cause stomach pain in some people. If you experience stomach pain while taking Ranitidine, it is important to contact your doctor.

Can I take ibuprofen and Ranitidine at the same time?

Yes, it is safe to take ibuprofen and Ranitidine at the same time.

Can I take aspirin and Ranitidine at the same time?

Yes, it is safe to take aspirin and Ranitidine at the same time.

Can Ranitidine cause headaches?

Yes, Ranitidine can cause headaches in some people. If you experience headaches while taking Ranitidine, it is important to contact your doctor.

Can I take Benadryl and Ranitidine together?

Yes, it is safe to take Benadryl and Ranitidine together.

Can I take Tylenol and Ranitidine together?

Yes, it is safe to take Tylenol and Ranitidine together.

Can I take Prevacid and Ranitidine together?

No, it is not recommended to take Prevacid and Ranitidine together as they both contain similar active ingredients and can lead to an overdose.

Can I take Ranitidine and Pepcid AC together?

No, it is not recommended to take Ranitidine and Pepcid AC together as they both contain similar active ingredients and can lead to an overdose.

Can Ranitidine cause dizziness?

Yes, Ranitidine can cause dizziness in some people. If you experience dizziness while taking Ranitidine, it is important to contact your doctor.