$Unique_ID{BRK02126}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{RANITIDINE}
$Subject{Zantac (Glaxo)
Zantac (Roche)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


RANITIDINE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Zantac (Glaxo)
     Zantac (Roche)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Gastric acid secretion inhibitor (decreases stomach acid)
INGREDIENT:
     ranitidine
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (150 mg and 300 mg)
     Oral syrup (15 mg per ml)
STORAGE:
     Ranitidine should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
       light-resistant container.

USES

     Ranitidine is used to treat duodenal and gastric ulcers.  It is also used
in the long-term treatment of excessive stomach acid secretion, in the
prevention of recurrent ulcers, and in the treatment of reflex esophagitis
(inflammation of the esophagus).  Ranitidine works by blocking the effects of
histamine on the stomach, thereby reducing stomach acid secretion.

TREATMENT

     You can take ranitidine either on an empty stomach or with food or milk.
     Antacids can block the absorption of ranitidine.  If you are taking
antacids as well as ranitidine, at least one hour should separate doses of the
two medications.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nausea, or stomach upset.
These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     To relieve constipation, exercise and drink more water (unless your
doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you feel dizzy while taking this medication, sit or lie down for a
while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on
stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
confusion, decreased sexual ability, unusual bleeding or bruising, or
weakness.

INTERACTIONS

     Ranitidine can interact with other types of medications:
     1. Ranitidine may increase the blood-sugar-lowering effects of glipizide.
     2. Ranitidine can decrease the elimination of warfarin from the body,
which can increase the risk of bleeding complications.
     3. Ranitidine can increase blood levels of procainamide.
     4. Ranitidine may cause a false positive result with the Multistix urine
protein test.  Testing with sulfasalicylic acid is recommended.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to ranitidine.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney or
liver disease.
     * Ranitidine should be taken continuously for as long as your doctor
prescribes.  Stopping therapy early may be a cause of ineffective therapy.
     * Cigarette smoking may block the beneficial effects of ranitidine.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy, do not take part in any activity that
requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous
machinery.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Ranitidine appears to
be safe during pregnancy; however, extensive testing has not been conducted.
Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of
ranitidine pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
