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General Medication Fact Sheet for Ranitidine
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Ranitidine |
| Brand Name Versions | Zantac (no longer available in the U.S. due to safety concerns) |
| Purpose | Histamine H2 receptor antagonist used to reduce stomach acid production |
| Mechanism of Action | Blocks histamine H2 receptors on parietal cells in the stomach, reducing gastric acid secretion |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets, oral solution, injectable solution |
| Available Strengths | 150 mg, 300 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically once or twice daily, or as directed by a healthcare provider |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, constipation, diarrhea, nausea |
| Serious Side Effects | Rare: Liver problems, irregular heartbeat, pneumonia |
| Drug Interactions | Warfarin, procainamide, certain antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole) |
| Important Notes | Consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. Ranitidine has been recalled in some markets due to the presence of NDMA, a potential carcinogen. Discuss alternatives with your doctor. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Omeprazole, Famotidine, Pantoprazole, Esomeprazole |
Ranitidine Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Omeprazole (Prilosec) | Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) | Reduces stomach acid by inhibiting the proton pump in parietal cells. |
| Famotidine (Pepcid) | Histamine H2 receptor antagonist | Similar mechanism to ranitidine but may be a safer alternative. |
| Pantoprazole (Protonix) | Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) | Reduces stomach acid by inhibiting the proton pump in parietal cells. |
| Esomeprazole (Nexium) | Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) | Reduces stomach acid by inhibiting the proton pump in parietal cells. |
Ranitidine Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Headache | Liver problems |
| Constipation | Irregular heartbeat |
| Diarrhea | Pneumonia |
| Nausea | Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) |
| Dizziness | Rare blood disorders |
Ranitidine Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peptic Ulcer | 150 mg | 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg at bedtime | Take with or without food. |
| GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) | 150 mg | 150 mg twice daily | Take with or without food. |
| Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome | 150 mg | Up to 6 g per day, divided doses | Dose depends on individual response and gastric acid output. |
