What is this medicine?
RANITIDINE (ra NYE te deen) is a type of antihistamine that blocks the release of stomach acid. It is used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers. It can relieve ulcer pain and discomfort, and the heartburn from acid reflux.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| Ranitidine HCl 15MG/ML Syrup | ACTAVIS MID ATLANTIC | 30/$29.99 or 90/$62.97 |
| Ranitidine HCl 150MG Capsules | PAR | 60/$42.99 or 90/$59.98 |
| Ranitidine HCl 150MG Tablets | RANBAXY PHARMACEUTICALS | 90/$17.99 or 180/$25.97 |
| Ranitidine HCl 300MG Capsules | PAR | 30/$30.99 or 90/$79.99 |
| Ranitidine HCl 300MG Tablets | IVAX PHARMACEUTICALS INC. | 30/$14.99 or 90/$24.84 |
| Zantac 15MG/ML Syrup | GLAXO SMITH KLINE | 300/$224.88 or 900/$656.64 |
| Zantac 150MG Tablets | GLAXO SMITH KLINE | 60/$236.7 or 180/$680.24 |
| Zantac 300MG Tablets | GLAXO SMITH KLINE | 30/$218.33 or 90/$620.5 |
| Zantac 75 75MG Tablets | JOHNSON & JOHNSON HEALTHCARE | 10/$7.99 or 30/$13.38 |
| Zantac 75 75MG Tablets | JOHNSON & JOHNSON HEALTHCARE | 20/$7.99 or 60/$21.12 |
| Zantac 75 75MG Tablets | JOHNSON & JOHNSON HEALTHCARE | 30/$17.99 or 60/$26.98 |
| Zantac 75 75MG Tablets | JOHNSON & JOHNSON HEALTHCARE | 4/$8.99 or 12/$9.99 |
| Zantac 75 75MG Tablets | JOHNSON & JOHNSON HEALTHCARE | 60/$20.99 or 180/$55.96 |
| Zantac EFFERdose 25MG Effervescent Tablets | GLAXO SMITH KLINE | 60/$218.32 or 180/$638.86 |
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- agitation, nervousness, depression, hallucinations
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breast enlargement in both males and females
- breathing problems
- redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusually weak or tired
- vomiting
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- constipation or diarrhea
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you only take this medicine once a day, take it at bedtime. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?- atazanavir
- delavirdine
- gefitinib
- glipizide
- ketoconazole
- midazolam
- procainamide
- propantheline
- triazolam
- warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Who should NOT use this medication?
- Known hypersensitivity to ranitidine or any ingredient in the formulation.
- Do not use for self-medication if swallowing is difficult.
- Do not use for self-medication with other drugs that decrease gastric acid secretion.
- Do not use for self-medication if difficulty or pain occurs when swallowing food, if experiencing vomiting with blood, or if passing bloody or blackened stools. Instead, consult a clinician since such manifestations may indicate presence of a serious condition requiring alternative treatment.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not start to get better or gets worse. You may need to take this medicine for several days as prescribed before your symptoms get better. Finish the full course of tablets prescribed, even if you feel better.
Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation in your stomach and can lengthen the time it will take for ulcers to heal. Cigarettes and alcohol can also make acid reflux or heartburn worse.
If you need to take an antacid you should take it at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after this medicine. This medicine will not be as effective if taken at the same time as an antacid.
If you get black, tarry stools or vomit up what looks like coffee grounds, call your doctor or health care professional at once. You may have a bleeding ulcer.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- porphyria
- an unusual or allergic reaction to ranitidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacymany different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.