RANITIDINE
HCL
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING RANITIDINE
HCL.
RANITIDINE CAPSULES- ORAL (ran-IT-uh-deen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Zantac
USES:
RANITIDINE HCL reduces the amount of acid in your stomach. It is
used to treat and prevent ulcers, to treat gastroesophageal reflux
disorder (GERD), and to treat conditions associated with excessive
acid secretion.
HOW TO TAKE RANITIDINE HCL:
RANITIDINE HCL is best taken with or immediately after meals.
Antacids and sucralfate can block the effect of RANITIDINE HCL. If
you are taking an antacid in addition to RANITIDINE HCL, separate
the doses of each medication by at least one half hour. If you are
taking sucralfate in addition to RANITIDINE HCL, take the ranitidine
2 hours before the sucralfate. Do not stop taking RANITIDINE HCL
without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too soon may delay
healing of the ulcer.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, diarrhea, headache, or dizziness may occur at first as your
body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or become
bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you
experience:
unusual bleeding or bruising, pounding chest pain, rash, difficulty
sleeping, mental changes, extreme weakness. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
If you have kidney or liver disease, tell your doctor before taking
RANITIDINE HCL. If you have ulcers, do not smoke cigarettes. Smoking
apparently inhibits ulcer healing. Women who are pregnant or
breast-feeding should inform their doctors before taking RANITIDINE
HCL.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription
medication you may use, especially of:
ketoconazole, itraconazole, triazolam. RANITIDINE HCL is available
in both prescription and over-the-counter formulations. Do not take
both at the same time. Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, tremors, vomiting,
restlessness, weakness, fatigue, or dizziness.
NOTES:
Your doctor may recommend some lifestyle changes such as
stress-reducing programs, diet changes and exercise to assist in the
treatment and prevention of ulcers. Ranitidine may affect the
results of tests for urine protein. Be sure to tell your doctor you
are taking ranitidine.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is
almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store between 36 and 77 degrees F (between 2 and 25 degrees C) away
from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
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