Zantac GELdoseOral - Drug Information and Side Effects on Drug3k.com


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Zantac GELdose images:

Overview

Photos

How To Use

Side Effects

Precautions

Missed Dose

Drug Interactions

Zantac GELdose

Uses
Ranitidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines and prevent them from returning after treatment. This medication is also used to treat and prevent certain stomach and throat (esophagus) problems caused by too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis) or a backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD).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 function tests) may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
Consult your doctor for more details.

Storage

Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from moisture and light.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include difficulty walking, severe dizziness/fainting.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor.
It may be prescribed 4 times a day for some conditions.
If you are taking this medication once daily, it is usually taken after the evening meal or before bedtime.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.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
You may take other medications (e.g., antacids) for your condition as recommended by your doctor.Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed.
Do not stop taking this without your doctor's approval because this may delay healing of the ulcer.Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

Headache, dizziness, constipation or diarrhea may occur.
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 any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blurred vision, mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, confusion, depression, hallucinations).Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, enlarged breasts, severe tiredness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, cough), severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing skin/eyes.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: immune system problems, kidney problems, liver problems, lung diseases (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: heartburn combined with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest pain or shoulder/jaw pain (especially with trouble breathing), 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, take 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 it.
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 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.