Ranitidine is used to treat conditions caused by excessive acidity in your stomach such as:
- ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (upper portion of the small intestine), including ulcers associated with the use of NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
- ulcers in the stomach, small intestine, or lower food pipe following surgery
- reflux disease (also known as "heartburn", burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth)
- long-term indigestion
- hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (tumour growth in the pancreas or the upper part of the small intestine which causes the secretion of too much stomach acid)
It may also be used to prevent bleeding from stress ulcers (sores in the digestive tract that can cause stomach upset due to physical stress on the body e.g. trauma or surgery) and to stop acid coming up from the stomach while under anaesthesia during surgery and in women during labour.
This medicine may be used together with antibiotics to treat a specific type of stomach problem caused by the
Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
Ranitidine treats these conditions by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes.
Take Ranitidine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food or at bedtime. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Ranitidine is available as a tablet, capsule, or syrup.
If you are taking an oral syrup, shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Ranitidine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- long-term lung disease
- diabetes
- weak immune system caused by a disease
- history of acute porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Ranitidine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking may increase the possibility of your disease returning after a period of improvement. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney functions, stool test) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Monitoring of signs of confusion or changes in mood or behaviour and disturbances in the stomach or bowel may also be needed.
Ranitidine may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain or discomfort, headache, dizziness with or without sensations of spinning, drowsiness, uncontrollable movements, blurred vision, muscle or joint pain, uneasiness, hair loss, difficulty sleeping, confusion, depression, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not existent), and loss of libido.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds, and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- procainamide (medicine to treat irregular or abnormal heartbeat)
- ketoconazole (medicine to treat fungal infection)
- certain medicines for sleep disorders e.g. triazolam
- certain medicines for cancer e.g. gefitinib, erlotinib
- certain medicines for HIV infection e.g. delavirdine, atazanavir
- glipizide (medicine for diabetes)
- high-dose sucralfate (another medicine to treat conditions caused by excessive acidity in the stomach)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ranitidine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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