Brand names: Zantac

Generic Names: Ranitidine hydrochloride

Why is Ranitidine hydrochloride prescribed?

Zantac is used to decrease the production of stomach acid, which may reduce irritation to the stomach lining and help heal ulcers and other gastrointestinal conditions. It's prescribed for the following:

- Treating and maintaining healing of erosive esophagitis (severe inflammation of the esophagus).

- Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD, which occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus).

- Treatment of conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and systemic mastocytosis.

- Maintenance therapy (at a reduced dosage) to help keep the ulcer from coming back after it has healed.

- Short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of active ulcers, specifically duodenal ulcers or benign stomach ulcers (also called gastric ulcers).

How Taken

Take Ranitidine HCL 150 mg tablets twice daily or 300 mg tablets once daily depending on how is most convenient for you. It is recommended that you take Ranitidine HCL before bedtime. Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Warnings/Precautions

If you are breast-feeding, talk to your doctor before taking Ranitidine HCL. Ranitidine HCL is secreted in human milk. Do not stop taking ranitidine without first talking to your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it 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 the dose to catch up.

Possible Side Effects

The possible side effects that may occur during treatment with Ranitidine HCT are: constipation, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, abdominal discomfort/pain, headache.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature 15°-30°C (59°-86°F) in a dry place. Protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Overdose

When overdosage occurs unabsorbed material has to be removed from your gastrointestinal tract. Seek emergency medical attention.

More Information

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking Ranitidine HCL, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Most important fact about Ranitidine hydrochloride

Zantac helps to prevent the recurrence of gastric or duodenal ulcers and aids the healing of ulcers that do occur.