Generic Name: Ranitidine (ra-NI-ti-deen)

Brand Name: Zantac

Ranitidine is used for:

Treating certain conditions that cause your body to make too much stomach acid (eg, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). It is also used to treat ulcers of the small intestine that have not responded to other treatment. It may be used as a short-term alternative to oral ranitidine, in patients who are not able to take medicine by mouth. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Ranitidine is an H2-receptor blocker. It works by blocking the action of histamine in the stomach. This reduces the amount of acid the stomach makes. Reducing stomach acid helps to reduce heartburn, to heal irritation of the esophagus, and to heal ulcers of the stomach or intestines.

Do NOT use Ranitidine if:

* you are allergic to any ingredient in Ranitidine
* you have a history of porphyria (a blood disease)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Ranitidine :

Some medical conditions may interact with Ranitidine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

* if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
* if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
* if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
* if you have a history of kidney or liver problems
* if you have abnormal blood electrolyte levels or a history of irregular heartbeat

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Ranitidine . However, no specific interactions with Ranitidine are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if Ranitidine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Ranitidine :

Use Ranitidine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Ranitidine is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Ranitidine at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Ranitidine . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
* Do not use Ranitidine if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
* Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
* You may take antacids while you are using Ranitidine if you are directed to do so by your doctor.
* Continue to use Ranitidine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
* If you miss a dose of Ranitidine , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ranitidine .
Important safety information:

* Ranitidine may rarely cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Ranitidine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
* Ranitidine may interfere with certain lab tests, including urine protein tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Ranitidine .
* Lab tests, including liver function, may be performed while you use Ranitidine . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
* Ranitidine should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 1 month old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
* PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Ranitidine while you are pregnant. Ranitidine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Ranitidine .

Possible side effects of Ranitidine :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; diarrhea; headache; nausea; stomach upset.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); confusion; dark urine; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; severe or persistent headache or stomach pain; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of the eyes or skin.