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Ranitidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach or intestines and prevent them from returning after treatment. This medication is also used to treat certain stomach and throat problems caused by too much acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis) or a backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD).This form of ranitidine is given by injection and is used for short-term treatment of these conditions when you cannot take this medication by mouth. Your doctor should switch you to taking this medication by mouth when possible.Ranitidine is known as an H2 histamine blocker. It works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. This helps heal and prevent ulcers and improves symptoms such as heartburn and stomach pain.
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Ranitidine in 1/2 NS images:
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Ranitidine in 1/2 NS
Uses
Ranitidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach or intestines and prevent them from returning after treatment. This medication is also used to treat certain stomach and throat problems caused by too much acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis) or a backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD).This form of ranitidine is given by injection and is used for short-term treatment of these conditions when you cannot take this medication by mouth. Your doctor should switch you to taking this medication by mouth when possible.Ranitidine is known as an H2 histamine blocker. It works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. This helps heal and prevent ulcers and improves symptoms such as heartburn and stomach pain.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and diet changes (e.g., avoiding caffeine, certain spices) may increase the effectiveness of this medication.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., endoscopy, kidney/liver function tests) may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store the US product between 39-77 degrees F (4-25 degrees C) away from heat and light.
- Brief storage up to 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) is permitted.
- Premixed IV bags may be refrigerated or stored between 36-77 degrees F (2-25 degrees C).Store the Canadian product between 36-77 degrees F (2-25 degrees C) away from heat and light.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include difficulty walking, severe dizziness/fainting.
How To Use
- Ranitidine is injected into a vein or muscle by a health care professional.
- Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids.
- Premixed bags are for IV use only.
- If you have questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist.Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol.
- Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.
- Ranitidine for injection should be colorless to yellow in color.The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
- In children, dosage may also be based on body weight.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.
Side Effects
- Headache, dizziness, constipation, or diarrhea may occur.
- Pain, redness, burning or stinging may occur at the injection site.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: vision changes (e.g., blurred vision), mental/mood changes (e.g., nervousness, confusion, depression, hallucinations).Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these rare but very serious side effects: easy bleeding/bruising, enlarged breasts, severe tiredness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, cough), severe abdominal/stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking ranitidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other H2 histamine blockers (e.g., cimetidine, famotidine); or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain blood disorder (porphyria).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat), immune system problems, kidney problems, liver problems, lung problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), other stomach problems (e.g., tumors).Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you have: chest pain or shoulder/jaw pain (especially with trouble breathing), heartburn combined with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, pain spreading to arms/neck/shoulders, unexplained weight loss.This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.Kidney function declines as you grow older.
- This medication is removed by the kidneys.
- Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug.
- Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially confusion and dizziness.Ranitidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.Ranitidine passes into breast milk.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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.
Drug Interactions
- Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: atazanavir, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), metoprolol, propantheline, triazolam.Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain aspirin or aspirin-like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) that can cause stomach irritation/ulcers.
- Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
- Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.This medication and similar H2 histamine blockers (e.g., cimetidine, famotidine) are available both over-the-counter and by prescription.
- Do not take them at the same time.This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (e.g., urine protein), possibly causing false test results.
- Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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