Ranitidine

The recommended adult dose of ranitidine ranges from 150 mg daily to 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily depending on the condition being treated. Ranitidine may be taken with or without food.

When used over-the-counter to treat acid indigestion, heartburn, or sour or upset stomach, the usual dose for adults and children 16 years of age or older is 75 mg to 150 mg taken when symptoms appear. If symptoms persist for more than 1 hour or return after 1 hour, you may take a second dose of the same strength. To prevent symptoms brought on by consuming food or beverages, take the dose 30 to 60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that are expected to cause symptoms. The maximum dose is 300 mg every 24 hours. Do not take it in this manner for more than 2 weeks without seeking medical advice.

Injection: The injectable form of ranitidine may be used in hospitals under specific circumstances when the patient is not able to swallow tablets. The usual dose of ranitidine injection is 50 mg every 6 to 8 hours given intravenously (into a vein) or intramuscularly (into a muscle).

If you are using the oral liquid form of ranitidine, use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Ranitidine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store the tablets at room temperature, protect them from light and moisture, and keep them out of the reach of children.

The injection may be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator between 2°C and 25°C. Protect it from light, and do not allow it to freeze. Keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause diarrhea or constipation, depending on the person. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Tablet

150 mg
Each round, white-to-off-white, biconvex, film-coated tablet engraved "APO" on one side and "RAN" over "150" on the other side contains 150 mg of ranitidine (as the hydrochloride). Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polydextrose, titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, vanillin, and carnauba wax.

300 mg
Each capsule-shaped, white-to-off-white, biconvex, film-coated tablet engraved "APO" on one side and "RAN" over "300" on the other side contains 300 mg of ranitidine (as the hydrochloride). Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polydextrose, titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, vanillin, and carnauba wax.

Oral Solution
Every 10 mL of clear, peppermint-flavoured oral solution contains 168 mg of ranitidine hydrochloride (equivalent to 150 mg of ranitidine anhydrous free base per 10 mL oral solution). Nonmedicinal ingredients: butylparaben, hypromellose, peppermint oil, potassium phosphate, propylparaben, purified water, saccharin sodium, sodium chloride, sodium phosphate dibasic, and sorbitol solution.

Do not take Ranitidine if you:

• are allergic to ranitidine or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to any other H2-antagonist (e.g., Cimetidine, Famotidine)

There may be an interaction between ranitidine and any of the following:

• Amiodarone
• antacids (e.g., magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate; within 2 hours of taking ranitidine)
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole)
• cefuroxime
• clavulanic acid
• Cyclosporine
• delavirdine
• dexmethylphenidate
• Diltiazem
• Dronedarone
• Fluvastatin
• Glyburide
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., darunavir, indinavir, lopinavir, saquinavir, tipranavir)
• iron salts (e.g., ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate)
• ledipasvir
• lumacaftor
• Mesalamine
• Metformin
• Methylphenidate
• midazolam
• Pentoxifylline
• Prasugrel
• procainamide
• protein kinase inhibitors (e.g., Bosutinib, Dabrafenib, Dasatinib, Nilotinib, Pazopanib)
• quinidine
• quinine
• rilpivirine
• Risedronate
• St. John's wort
• Sucralfate
• Tacrolimus
• Varenicline
• velpatasvir
• Verapamil
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Ranitidine. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Ranitidine.

Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Ranitidine to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Ranitidine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ranitidine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pneumonia: People with lung disease, a weak immune system, or Diabetes may be at an increased risk of developing pneumonia while taking ranitidine. If you have any of these conditions, discuss with your doctor how Ranitidine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ranitidine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Porphyria: Ranitidine may cause attacks of a condition called acute porphyria (a disorder that affects the production of heme in the body). People with a history of acute porphyria should not take ranitidine.

Stomach cancer: Using medications such as ranitidine may prevent symptoms of stomach cancer from being noticed. If you have recurrent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, blood in the stool, significant unintentional weight loss, fatigue (Anemia), or are coughing up blood, check with your doctor right away. If you have heartburn that worsens or returns after using Ranitidine continuously for 2 weeks, check with your doctor.

Use with NSAIDs: If you are also taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Naproxen), your doctor should closely monitor your condition, especially if you are a senior or have a history of ulcers.

Pregnancy: Ranitidine should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Ranitidine, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Ranitidine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking ranitidine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Ranitidine have not been established for children less than 8 years of age. Children between the ages of 8 years and 16 years of age, should only use Ranitidine under the supervision of a doctor.

Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience interactions with other medications when taking ranitidine. If you are a senior, your doctor should closely monitor your condition.

This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. This medication was prescribed for a specific period of time. Take it for the entire time prescribed in order to achieve the medication's full benefit, even if you begin to feel better sooner. Avoid using or consuming substances that may irritate your stomach, such as: Cigarettes Alcohol and alcohol-containing products Coffee, tea and chocolate Acidic or spicy food Fried foods Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. To ensure exact dosage, measure each dose with an accurate measuring device. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication may be taken with or without food.