Ranitidine (Zantac) effervescent tablets
What are ranitidine effervescent tablets?
RANITIDINE (Zantac®) is a type of antihistamine that blocks the release of stomach acid. Ranitidine is used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers. It can relieve ulcer pain and discomfort, and the heartburn from gastroesophageal reflux disease. Generic ranitidine effervescent tablets are not yet available, but other forms of ranitidine are available in generic form.
What should my health care professional know before I take ranitidine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- other chronic illness
- phenylketonuria (for effervescent product only)
- porphyria
- an unusual or allergic reaction to ranitidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Dissolve ranitidine effervescent tablets in an appropirate amount of water as directed by your prescriber just before taking by mouth. After the dose is dissolved, drink to get the entire dose. Tablets should not be chewed, swallowed whole, or dissolved on the tongue. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals as directed. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with ranitidine?
- alcohol containing beverages
- alendronate
- antacids
- cefditoren
- cefpodoxime
- cefuroxime
- delavirdine
- enoxacin
- glipizide
- glyburide
- iron supplements
- itraconazole
- ketoconazole
- metformin
- nifedipine
- propantheline
- theophylline
- triazolam
- warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking ranitidine?
Side effects with ranitidine are infrequent.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- agitation, nervousness, depression, hallucinations
- breast swelling and tenderness, or sexual difficulties (impotence) in men
- redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- skin rash, itching
- unusual weakness or tiredness
- vomiting
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- constipation or diarrhea
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea
What should I watch for while taking ranitidine?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your condition does not improve or gets worse. You may need to take this medicine for several days as prescribed before your symptoms improve. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed, even if you feel better.
Do not self-medicate with aspirin, ibuprofen or other antiinflammatory medicines; these can aggravate your condition.
Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these increase irritation in your stomach and can lengthen the time it will take for ulcers to heal. Cigarettes and alcohol can also worsen acid reflux or heartburn.
If you need to take an antacid you should take it at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after ranitidine. Ranitidine will not be as effective if taken at the same time as an antacid.
If you get black, tarry stools or vomit up what looks like coffee grounds, call your prescriber or health care professional at once. You may have a bleeding ulcer.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 8/25/2005 2:45:00 PM ]
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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