Table of contents:
Each drug is inseparable from the side effects it can cause, including the drug ranitidine. Ranitidine is a drug that works by reducing stomach acid. So, this drug can treat various diseases associated with excess stomach acid. However, if ranitidine is not used as directed, you can experience side effects. What are the side effects of ranitidine?
What are the side effects of ranitidine?
The use of drugs that are not in accordance with the instructions can certainly cause side effects. Common side effects that can be caused by using ranitidine include:
- Headache
- Sleepy
- Sleep problems, such as insomnia
- Constipation or constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort or pain in the stomach
- Decreased sex drive or difficulty having an orgasm
These side effects can last for a few days or a few weeks and eventually go away on their own. However, if these side effects do not go away, you should immediately see a doctor. These common side effects can develop into more serious side effects.
Some of the serious side effects of ranitidine are:
- Inflammation of the liver. Usually the symptoms that appear are the skin and the whites of the eyes turning yellow, fatigue, darker urine, and abdominal pain.
- Changes in brain function. This can cause symptoms, such as confusion, agitation, depression, hallucinations (hearing or seeing something that isn't there), and blurred vision.
- Abnormal heart rate. Symptoms that you can feel are a faster heart rate, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Ranitidine side effects can also occur if you have an allergy to ranitidine. If you are allergic to ranitidine, you may experience hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience these symptoms, you should immediately stop using ranitidine and consult a doctor.
What you should pay attention to before taking ranitidine
Do not use this medication if you have an allergy to ranitidine. If you have any of the following conditions, it's best to talk to your doctor first before taking ranitidine.
- Kidney illness. If you have kidney disease or have hereditary kidney disease, your body may not be able to get rid of ranitidine properly. Thus, it can increase ranitidine levels in the body and cause various side effects.
- Liver disease. People with liver disease or hereditary liver disease also cannot process this drug properly. Thus, the level of ranitidine in the body can also increase and cause side effects.
- Porphyria. People with acute porphyria (an inherited blood disorder) should not use ranitidine. This drug can trigger an acute porphyric attack.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should first consult your doctor before taking ranitidine. For pregnant women, ranitidine may be used if really needed. Meanwhile, in breastfeeding mothers, the use of ranitidine should probably be avoided because ranitidine can pass into breast milk and can cause side effects in your baby. For more details, ask your doctor.
x
