Ranitidine
|
|
Ranitidine (generic Zantac) is used to treat and prevent the recurrence
of ulcers and to treat other conditions where the stomach makes too
much acid. Ranitidine also is used to treat or prevent occasional
heartburn, acid indigestion, or sour stomach. It decreases the amount
of acid made in the stomach. Ranitidine is available with and without a
prescription.
|
RANITIDINE DRUG INFO
Why is this medication prescribed?
Ranitidine bismuth is used to treat intestinal
ulcers. It helps fight infection by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which
often occurs with ulcers. Treating this infection helps keep ulcers
from coming back. It is used in combination with other medicines.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Ranitidine bismuth comes as a tablet to take by
mouth. It usually is taken twice a day with or without food. Follow the
directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or
pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ranitidine
bismuth exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it
more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Ranitidine bismuth must be used for at least 4
weeks to treat your ulcer completely. Continue to take ranitidine
bismuth even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ranitidine bismuth
without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking ranitidine bismuth,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ranitidine (Zantac) or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin,
antacids, and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney, blood, or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking ranitidine
bismuth, call your doctor.
- tell your doctor if you have ever taken this medicine or any other
medicine to treat ulcers. If your ulcer symptoms do not get better in
the first few days, tell your doctor. You may need to take a different
medicine.
RANITIDINE DRUG INFO
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it.
However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to
make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from ranitidine bismuth are
not common, they can occur. Darkening of the tongue and stool is
temporary and harmless. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are
severe or do not go away:
- headache
- dizziness
- change in sense of taste
- constipation
- stomach pain
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- bloody, black, or tarry stools
- fever
- sore throat
- mental confusion
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in,
tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room
temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the
bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer
needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your
medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control
center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed
or is not breathing, call local emergency services at
911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the
laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your
response to ranitidine bismuth.
Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
|
