Ranitidine, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: H2 blocker, oral

Generic and brand names: ranitidine, oral; Zantac; Zantac 75; Zantac EFFERdose; Zantac GELdose

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat duodenal ulcers, erosive esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and benign gastric ulcers, and to reduce production of stomach acid. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Some forms of this medicine are available without a health care provider's prescription. These products relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach.

How do I take it?

Take this medicine regularly for as long as your health care provider prescribes, even if you feel better or do not have any pain.

Take this medicine according to the directions on the package or as your health care provider recommends.

Your health care provider may want you to take antacids when you start taking this medicine to control pain until the medicine takes effect. If your health care provider prescribes an antacid, take it an hour before or after this medicine.

What should I watch out for?

Aspirin, other medicines, alcohol, coffee, and other substances can irritate your stomach and add to your problem. Follow your health care provider's advice about use of other medicines and alcohol and about which foods to avoid. Contact your health care provider if your pain continues.

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.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Confusion, chest tightness, bleeding, sore throat, fever, irregular heartbeat, weakness, tiredness.

Other: Headache, dizziness, diarrhea (usually temporary).

What products might interact with this medicine?

Your dosages may need to be adjusted if you are taking ranitidine (Zantac) while you are taking any of the following:

• antacids
• diazepam (Valium)
• glipizide, glyburide, chlorpropamide, or tolbutamide
• procainamide (Pronestyl)
• theophylline
• triazolam (Halcion)
• warfarin (Coumadin).

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.

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.