Ranitidine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Ranitidine uses

What is ranitidine (ranitidine)?

Ranitidine (ranitidine) is a medicine to reduce the amount of stomach acid in the stomach. This drug serves to treat and prevent heartburn (heartburn), ulcers, and stomach pain caused by stomach ulcers.

Ranitidine is also used to treat and prevent various stomach and esophageal diseases caused by too much stomach acid, such as erosive esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Ranitidine belongs to the H2 drug class blockers. This medication is also available without a prescription. If you are taking this medication without a prescription, pay close attention to the instructions on the package so you know when to call your doctor or pharmacist.

How should you take ranitidine (ranitidine)?

Ranitidine is an oral medication, once or twice per day or according to the doctor's instructions. In some conditions it can be prescribed 4 times a day. If you are taking this medicine once a day, it usually has to be taken after dinner or at bedtime.

The dose and length of treatment will depend on your condition and how your body responds to treatment. In children, dosage can also depend on body weight.

You may also be prescribed ranitidine along with other drugs, such as antacids.

Take this drug regularly for optimal benefits. To help you remember, drink it at the same time every day. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed, especially without your doctor's permission, as this may delay healing.

If you are taking ranitidine over the counter to treat gastrointestinal problems or heartburn, take one tablet with an adequate glass of water. Drink it 30-60 minutes before consuming foods or drinks that usually cause heartburn.

Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours unless your doctor instructs you to do so. Do not take this medication for more than 14 consecutive days without consulting your doctor.

How to store this drug?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Do not store in the bathroom or freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so.

Discard this product when the drug has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your medicine.

Ranitidine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of ranitidine (ranitidine) for adults?

• Usual adult dose of ranitidine with duodenal ulcers: orally 150 mg 2 times a day, or 300 mg once a day after dinner or before meals. Parenteral: 50 mg, IV or IM, every 6-8 hours. Alternatively, intravenous infusion can be given at a rate of 6.25 mg / hour for 24 hours.
• Ranitidine dosage for adults with dyspepsia (ulcer): 75 mg orally once a day (without a prescription) 30-60 minutes before meals. The dosage can be increased up to 75 mg twice daily. The maximum length of treatment for over-the-counter treatment is 14 days.
• Usual Adult Dose for Duodenal Ulcer Prophylaxis: 150 mg orally once a day at bedtime.
• Adult dose of ranitidine for stomach ulcers: 150 mg orally once a day at bedtime.
• Ranitidine dosage for adults with erosive esophagitis: Oral - at baseline: 150 mg 4 times a day, maintenance: 150 mg twice a day. Parenteral: 50 mg, IV or IM (intramuscular / muscular), every 6-8 hours. Alternatively, IV infusion can be given 6.25 mg / hour for 24 hours.
• Usual Adult Dose for Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis: Parenteral: 50 mg, IV or IM, every 6 - 8 hours.
• Usual Adult Dose for Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Parenteral: 50 mg IV dose loading, followed by 6.25 mg / hr continuous IV infusion, titrated to a gastric pH> 7.0 for treatment.
• Ranitidine dose for adults with surgical prophylaxis: Study (n = 80) - Pre-treatment at Thoracotomy to reduce GER: 150 mg orally 2 hours before surgery.
• Ranitidine dosage for adults with Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Oral: Starting with 150 mg 2 times a day. Adjust dosage to control gastric acid secretion. Doses of up to 6 grams per day have also been used. Parenteral: 1 mg / kg / hour given as a continuous IV infusion up to a maximum of 2.5 mg / kg / hour (rate infusions of up to 220 mg / hour have been used).
• Usual Adult Dose for Pathological Hypersecretory: Oral: Starting with 150 mg 2 times a day. Adjust dosage to control gastric acid secretion. Doses of up to 6 grams per day have also been used. Parenteral: 1 mg / kg / hour given as a continuous IV infusion up to a maximum of 2.5 mg / kg / hour (rate infusions of up to 220 mg / hour have been used).
• Usual Adult Dose for Acid Reflux: Oral: 150 mg twice daily. Parenteral: 50 mg, IV or IM, every 6-8 hours.

What is the dose of ranitidine (ranitidine) for children?

Usual pediatric dose of ranitidine with duodenal ulcers:

Age 1 month to 16 years:

• IV: 2-4 mg / kg / day divided every 6-8 hours. Maximum: 200 mg / day IV
• Oral: Treatment: 4-8 mg / kg twice daily, every 12 hours. Maximum: 300 mg / day orally
• Treatment: 2-4 mg / kg / day orally once a day. Maximum: 150 mg / day orally

Usual pediatric dose of ranitidine with stomach ulcers:

Age 1 month to 16 years:

• IV: 2-4 mg / kg / day divided every 6-8 hours. Maximum: 200 mg / day IV
• Oral: Treatment: 4-8 mg / kg twice daily, every 12 hours. Maximum: 300 mg / day orally
• Treatment: 2-4 mg / kg / day orally once a day. Maximum: 150 mg / day orally

The dosage of ranitidine for children with Duodenal Ulcer Prophylaxis:

Age 1 month to 16 years:

• IV: 2-4 mg / kg / day divided every 6-8 hours Maximum: 200 mg / day
• Oral: 2-4 mg / kg once daily, not to exceed 150 mg / 24 hours.

Pediatric dose of ranitidine for the treatment of gastric ulcers

Age 1 month to 16 years:

• IV: 2-4 mg / kg / day divided every 6-8 hours. Maximum: 200 mg / day
• Oral: 2-4 mg / kg once daily, not to exceed 150 mg / 24 hours.

The dosage of ranitidine for children with acid reflux:

Newborn baby:

• IV: 1.5 mg / kg IV as a dose loading followed 12 hours later with 1.5-2 mg / kg / day IV divided every 12 hours. Alternatively, a continuous IV infusion can be given with rate 0.04 to 0.08 mg / kg / hour (1-2 mg / kg / day) after dosing loading as much as 1.5 mg / kg has been given.
• Continuous IV infusion: Dosage loading: 1.5 mg / kg / dose, followed by an infusion of 0.04-0.08 mg / kg / hour (or 1 to 2 mg / kg / day).
• Oral: 2 mg / kg / day divided into 2 doses, given every 12 hours.

Age 1 month to 16 years:

• IV: 2-4 mg / kg / day divided every 6-8 hours. Maximum: 200 mg / day. Alternatively, a bolus IV infusion dose of 1 mg / kg can be given once, followed by a constant IV infusion with rate 0.08 to 0.17 mg / kg / hour (2 to 4 mg / kg / day).
• Oral: 4 to 10 mg / kg / day given in 2 doses every 12 hours. Maximum: 300 mg orally per day.

Pediatric dose of ranitidine for erosive esophagitis

Age 1 month to 16 years:

• IV: 2-4 mg / kg / day divided every 6-8 hours. Maximum: 200 mg / day. Alternatively, a bolus IV infusion dose of 1 mg / kg can be given once, followed by a constant IV infusion with rate 0.08 to 0.17 mg / kg / hour (2 to 4 mg / kg / day).
• Oral: 4 to 10 mg / kg / day given in 2 doses every 12 hours. Maximum: 300 mg orally per day.

Pediatric dose of ranitidine for dyspepsia

Children 12 years and over:

• 75 mg orally, once, 30-60 minutes before consuming foods or drinks that cause heartburn. Maximum: 150 mg / 24 hours
• Duration of treatment: Should not be more than 14 days

In what dosage is this drug available?

• Tablet, orally: 25 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg
• Capsules, oral: 150 mg, 300 mg
• Solution (liquid), injection: 50 mg / 2 mL, 150 mg / 6 mL, 1,000 mg / 40 mL

Ranitidine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to ranitidine (ranitidine)?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience the following signs of an allergic reaction:

• itchy rash
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Stop taking ranitidine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects of ranitidine:

• Chest pain, fever, shortness of breath, cough with green or yellow mucus
• Bruising or bleeding easily, body weakness without cause
• Slow or fast heart rate
• Problems with eyesight
• Fever, sore throat and headache accompanied by a skin rash that is red, peeling, and blistered
• Nausea, stomach pain, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, dark stools, jauncide (yellow eyes and skin)

Less serious side effects of ranitidine include:

• Headaches (can be quite severe)
• Drowsiness, dizziness
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty reaching orgasm; or
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
• Diarrhea or constipation

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Ranitidine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using ranitidine (ranitidine)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ranitidine.

Heartburn is sometimes similar to the symptoms of a heart attack. Seek medical help if you experience severe chest or chest pain, pain radiating to your arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and body aches.

Is ranitidine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on whether ranitidine is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B (no risk in some studies) according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with ranitidine (ranitidine)?

Before taking ranitidine, tell your doctor if you are taking triazolam (Halcion). You may be unable to take ranitidine, or you may need to adjust the dosage, or have to undergo some special tests during treatment.

Can food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs should not be used when eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your doctor, medical team, or pharmacist.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take ranitidine if you have:

• Kidney illness
• Liver disease
• Porphyria

Ranitidine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.