The
following information is a summary about Ranitidine.
It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Ranitidine USES
Ranitidine (generic Zantac) is used to treat and
prevent the recurrence of ulcers and to treat other
conditions where the stomach makes too much acid.
Ranitidine also is used to treat or prevent occasional
heartburn, acid indigestion, or sour stomach. It
decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach.
Ranitidine DIRECTIONS
Ranitidine bismuth comes as a tablet to take by mouth.
It usually is taken twice a day with or without food.
Follow the directions on your prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain
any part you do not understand. Take ranitidine bismuth
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of
it or take it more often than prescribed by your
doctor. Ranitidine bismuth must be used for at least
4 weeks to treat your ulcer completely. Continue
to take ranitidine bismuth even if you feel well.
Do not stop taking ranitidine bismuth without talking
to your doctor.
Ranitidine SIDE EFFECTS
Although side effects from ranitidine bismuth are
not common, they can occur. Darkening of the tongue
and stool is temporary and harmless. Tell your doctor
if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away: * headache * dizziness * change in sense of
taste * constipation * stomach pain If you experience
any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
* bloody, black, or tarry stools * fever * sore throat
* mental confusion * yellowing of the skin or eyes
.
Ranitidine PRECAUTIONS
Before taking ranitidine bismuth, * tell your doctor
and pharmacist if you are allergic to ranitidine
(Zantac) or any other drugs. * tell your doctor and
pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially aspirin, antacids,
and vitamins. * tell your doctor if you have or have
ever had kidney, blood, or liver disease. * tell
your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while
taking ranitidine bismuth, call your doctor. * tell
your doctor if you have ever taken this medicine
or any other medicine to treat ulcers. If your ulcer
symptoms do not get better in the first few days,
tell your doctor. You may need to take a different
medicine.
Ranitidine DRUG INTERACTIONS
Before taking ranitidine bismuth, * tell your doctor
and pharmacist if you are allergic to ranitidine
(Zantac) or any other drugs. * tell your doctor and
pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially aspirin, antacids,
and vitamins. * tell your doctor if you have or have
ever had kidney, blood, or liver disease. * tell
your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while
taking ranitidine bismuth, call your doctor. * tell
your doctor if you have ever taken this medicine
or any other medicine to treat ulcers. If your ulcer
symptoms do not get better in the first few days,
tell your doctor. You may need to take a different
medicine. .
Ranitidine OVERDOSE
In case of overdose, call your local poison control
center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed
or is not breathing, call local emergency services
at 911.
Ranitidine NOTES
Do not share Ranitidine with others. Medical examinations
including the nose are generally performed during
prolonged use of this product to check for side effects.
Inform all your doctors you use (or have used) Ranitidine.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use Ranitidine as soon as you
remember. If it is near the time of the next dose,
skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Ranitidine STORAGE
Store Ranitidine at room temperature between 36 and
77 degrees F (2 -25 degrees C) away from light and
moisture.
