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How should I take ranitidine?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may recommend an antacid to help relieve pain. Carefully follow your doctor's directions about the type of antacid to use, and when to use it.
Do not crush, chew, or break the ranitidineAllow the tablet to dissolve completely in the water, and then drink the entire mixture. If you are giving this medicine to a child, you may draw the liquid mixture into a medicine dropper and empty the dropper into the child's mouth.
Ranitidine granules should be mixed with 6 to 8 ounces of water before drinking.
Measure the liquid form of ranitidine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
It may take up to 8 weeks of using this medicine before your ulcer heals. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment.This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using ranitidine.
Store ranitidine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.Overdose symptoms may include lack of coordination, feeling light-headed, or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking ranitidine?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of damage to your stomach.What are the possible side effects of ranitidine?
Stop using ranitidine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these-
chest pain, fever, feeling short of breath, coughing up green or yellow mucus;
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easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
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fast or slow heart rate;
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problems with your vision;
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fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
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nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may include:
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headache (may be severe);
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decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; or
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swollen or tender breasts (in men);
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nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or
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diarrhea or constipation.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
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