Ranitidine (Zantac) injection
What is ranitidine injection?
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 injections are available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive ranitidine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- other chronic illness
- 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 use this medicine?
Ranitidine is for injection into a muscle, or infusion into a vein.
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, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with ranitidine?
- alcohol containing beverages
- alendronate
- 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 receiving 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 stomach or intestinal condition does not improve or gets worse. You may need to take this medicine for several days before your symptoms improve.
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 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.
Store at room temperature between 4 and 25 degrees C (46 and 77 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Do not use injection if the solution is discolored or particulate matter is present. 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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