The
following information is a summary about Ranitidine. It
is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Ranitidine USES
Ranitidine (generic Zantac) is used to treat and prevent
the recurrence of ulcers and to treat other conditions
where the stomach makes too much acid. Ranitidine also
is used to treat or prevent occasional heartburn, acid
indigestion, or sour stomach. It decreases the amount of
acid made in the stomach.
Ranitidine DIRECTIONS
Ranitidine bismuth comes as a tablet to take by mouth.
It usually is taken twice a day with or without food. Follow
the directions on your prescription label carefully, and
ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do
not understand. Take ranitidine bismuth exactly as directed.
Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than
prescribed by your doctor. Ranitidine bismuth must be used
for at least 4 weeks to treat your ulcer completely. Continue
to take ranitidine bismuth even if you feel well. Do not
stop taking ranitidine bismuth without talking to your
doctor.
Ranitidine SIDE EFFECTS
Although side effects from ranitidine bismuth are not common,
they can occur. Darkening of the tongue and stool is temporary
and harmless. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms
are severe or do not go away: * headache * dizziness *
change in sense of taste * constipation * stomach pain
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your
doctor immediately: * bloody, black, or tarry stools *
fever * sore throat * mental confusion * yellowing of the
skin or eyes .
Ranitidine PRECAUTIONS
Before taking ranitidine bismuth, * tell your doctor and
pharmacist if you are allergic to ranitidine (Zantac) or
any other drugs. * tell your doctor and pharmacist what
prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking,
especially aspirin, antacids, and vitamins. * tell your
doctor if you have or have ever had kidney, blood, or liver
disease. * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to
become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant
while taking ranitidine bismuth, call your doctor. * tell
your doctor if you have ever taken this medicine or any
other medicine to treat ulcers. If your ulcer symptoms
do not get better in the first few days, tell your doctor.
You may need to take a different medicine.
Ranitidine DRUG INTERACTIONS
Before taking ranitidine bismuth, * tell your doctor and
pharmacist if you are allergic to ranitidine (Zantac) or
any other drugs. * tell your doctor and pharmacist what
prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking,
especially aspirin, antacids, and vitamins. * tell your
doctor if you have or have ever had kidney, blood, or liver
disease. * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to
become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant
while taking ranitidine bismuth, call your doctor. * tell
your doctor if you have ever taken this medicine or any
other medicine to treat ulcers. If your ulcer symptoms
do not get better in the first few days, tell your doctor.
You may need to take a different medicine. .
Ranitidine OVERDOSE
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center
at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not
breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Ranitidine NOTES
Do not share Ranitidine with others. Medical examinations
including the nose are generally performed during prolonged
use of this product to check for side effects. Inform all
your doctors you use (or have used) Ranitidine.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use Ranitidine as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed
dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up.
Ranitidine STORAGE
Store Ranitidine at room temperature between 36 and 77
degrees F (2 -25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
