Ranitidine Bismuth Citrate, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antiulcer

Generic and brand names: ranitidine bismuth citrate, oral; Tritec

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth along with an antibiotic called clarithromycin (Biaxin) to treat active duodenal ulcers caused by bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have kidney disease.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

How do I take it?

Take this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Take all of both medicines, even if you feel better. Both can be taken with or without food. These medicines work best when taken with food.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

This combination of medicines can cause darkening of your tongue or stool. These are harmless reactions that go away after you stop treatment.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your health care provider right away): Dark colored urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and fever, yellow skin or eyes.

Other: Change in taste, diarrhea, headache, itching, abdominal discomfort, dizziness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• antacids (Take any antacids 2 hours before or after doses of this medicine.)
• itraconazole (Sporanox).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.