Ranitidine HCL

What is the most important information I should know about Ranitidine HCL?

• Do not stop taking Ranitidine HCL without first talking to your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal.
• Do not take antacids within 1 hour of taking Ranitidine HCL. Antacids may decrease the effectiveness of Ranitidine HCL.

What is Ranitidine HCL?

• Ranitidine HCL is in a class of drugs called histamine receptor antagonists. Ranitidine HCL works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.
• Ranitidine HCL is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Ranitidine HCL is also used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid and conditions in which acid comes up into the esophagus and causes heartburn, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Ranitidine HCL may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take Ranitidine HCL?

• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
  · kidney disease;
  · liver disease; or
  · porphyria.
• You may not be able to take Ranitidine HCL, or you may require a dosage adjustmentor special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• The Zantac 150 mg EFFERdose Tablets and Zantac 150 mg EFFERdose Granules contain 16.84 mg of phenylalanine per 150 mg of Ranitidine HCL. Individuals with phenylketonuria may need to monitor their intake of this additive.
• Ranitidine HCL is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Ranitidine HCL without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Ranitidine HCL passes into breast milk. Do not take Ranitidine HCL without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Ranitidine HCL?

• Take Ranitidine HCL exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of Ranitidine HCL with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
• Zantac syrup may be administered by medicine dropper or oral syringe for infants.
• Dissolve the Zantac 150 mg EFFERdose Tablets and Zantac 150 mg EFFERdose Granules in approximately 6 to 8 ounces of water before drinking. EFFERdose Tablets should not be chewed, swallowed whole, or dissolved on the tongue.
• Do not stop taking Ranitidine HCL without first talking to your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal.
• Store Ranitidine HCL at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a Ranitidine HCL overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased saliva production, difficulty breathing, and a fast heartbeat.

What should I avoid while taking Ranitidine HCL?

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

What are the possible side effects of Ranitidine HCL?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Ranitidine HCL and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
  · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  · easy or unusual bruising or bleeding;
  · bleeding gums;
  · irregular heartbeat; or
  · yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Ranitidine HCL and talk to your doctor if you experience
  · dizziness;
  · headache; or
  · diarrhea, nausea, or constipation.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Ranitidine HCL?

• Do not take antacids within 1 hour of taking Ranitidine HCL. Antacids may decrease the effectiveness of Ranitidine HCL.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
  · triazolam (Halcion); or
  · the anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin).
• You may not be able to take Ranitidine HCL, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking either of the medicines listed above.
• Ranitidine HCL may affect the actions of other medications by changing the acidity of the stomach. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines during treatment with Ranitidine HCL.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about Ranitidine HCL written for health professionals that you may read.