Ranitidine hydrochloride (
Zantac®) is a medication that is available as both a prescription medication and an over-the-counter medication. It is used to treat several conditions related to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Ranitidine is part of a class of drugs known as
H2 blockers.
Prescription Zantac is made by GlaxoSmithKline, while over-the-counter Zantac is made by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare.
Generic ranitidine (both prescription and over-the-counter) is made by several manufacturers.
What Is Ranitidine Used For?
Uses of prescription-strength ranitidine include the treatment of:
- Duodenal ulcers (ulcers in the first part of the intestine after the stomach) -- Ranitidine can be used to treat a duodenal ulcer and also to prevent ulcers from coming back.
- Gastric ulcers (stomach ulcers) -- Ranitidine helps to heal a stomach ulcer and to keep ulcers from returning.
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- Erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus, usually due to stomach acid) -- Ranitidine can be used to heal erosive esophagitis and to prevent it from returning.
- Pathological hypersecretory conditions (in which too much stomach acid is produced), such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or systemic mastocytosis.
The over-the-counter form is approved for the following conditions:
Over-the-counter ranitidine can be used to treat these problems once they have started. Also, it can be used to prevent these problems if taken before eating or drinking foods or beverages that may cause them.
Ranitidine works by blocking a specific kind of histamine receptor. Histamine is a chemical released by the body that has several effects. In the stomach, histamine causes more acid to be produced. By blocking histamine in the stomach, this medication reduces the amount of acid produced. This is why ranitidine is known as an "acid reducer."
Several studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of ranitidine to treat several different conditions, including:
Ulcers
In one study performed to assess the effectiveness of using ranitidine to treat duodenal ulcers (upper intestinal ulcers), 73 percent of people who took the medicine had healed ulcers after four weeks of treatment. Only 45 percent of people who were not taking it had their duodenal ulcer heal within four weeks. Another study looking at preventing duodenal ulcers from returning after healing found that 35 percent of people taking ranitidine had another duodenal ulcer within one year, compared to 59 percent of people not taking it.
In a study involving ranitidine and gastric ulcer (stomach ulcer) treatment, 68 percent of people taking the medication experienced healing within six weeks. Ulcers healed in 51 percent of people who were not on ranitidine. Studies have also shown that the medication can help prevent stomach ulcers from returning after they have healed.
GERD
Several studies have looked at using ranitidine for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These studies have shown that people taking the medication have greater relief of their GERD symptoms, including
heartburn symptoms, than people not taking it. These studies have also shown that ranitidine can provide
heartburn relief within one day of starting the medication.
Erosive Esophagitis
When ranitidine was studied for erosive esophagitis (damage to the lining of the esophagus, often due to stomach acid), healing was seen in 84 percent of people taking the drug, compared to 58 percent of people not taking it. Ranitidine was also shown to be effective for preventing erosive esophagitis from returning once it had healed.
Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions
Ranitidine has been studied in several pathological hypersecretory conditions (where too much stomach acid is produced), including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, systemic mastocytosis, and "short-gut" syndrome. These studies showed that the medication is effective in decreasing stomach acid production and relieving symptoms, including
diarrhea, pain, and loss of appetite.
When and How to Take Ranitidine
Some general considerations for when and how to take ranitidine include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form. Depending on the condition, it is usually taken by mouth one to four times a day.
- Ranitidine is also available as peppermint-flavored Zantac syrup (which is available only with a prescription).
- Brand-name ranitidine (Zantac) also comes in an EFFERdose® tablet form that has a light citrus taste. EFFERdose tablets are meant to be dissolved in water before being taken. Zantac EFFERdose is especially effective for use in children. These tablets are available only with a prescription.
- Do not chew EFFERdose tablets or swallow them whole. Also, they should not be dissolved on the tongue. Instead, the tablets must be dissolved in a certain amount of water before they are taken.
- You may take ranitidine with or without food. If you are using the over-the-counter form to prevent heartburn, you should take it 30 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking foods that cause heartburn (up to twice a day).
- Take ranitidine at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood. If you take the drug just once a day, it is usually best to take it in the evening or before bedtime.
- For ranitidine to work properly, you must take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of ranitidine your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The medical condition for which you are being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Ranitidine
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with ranitidine. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
(Click Ranitidine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Ranitidine?
Before taking this drug, let your healthcare provider know if you have:
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
- Acute porphyria
- Phenylketonuria.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much ranitidine may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Changes in walking pattern
- Muscle tremors or shakiness
- Vomiting
- Rapid breathing.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Ranitidine Be Stored?
Store ranitidine at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. Keep the tablets in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your ranitidine as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Prescription ranitidine is available in several forms and strengths:
The drug is also available in an injectable form for use in hospitals.
Over-the-counter ranitidine is available in two strengths:
- Ranitidine 75 mg
- Ranitidine 150 mg.
Is Ranitidine Available in Generic Form?
Both brand-name and generic ranitidine is currently licensed for sale (both prescription and over-the-counter). However, not all forms are available as generics.
