According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), several over-the-counter (OTC) medications and certain prescriptions such as Ranitidine – medication to treat stomach acid production – have been recalled because of the unacceptable levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
People who suffered stomach cancer, bladder cancer, or other cancers after taking Ranitidine are filing ranitidine cancer lawsuits against drug manufacturers. If you are one such victim, you’re potentially qualified for a Zantac cancer lawsuits or settlement by showing your pharmacy records.
Highlights For Ranitidine
- Ranitidine is an oral tablet that is available as both a brand-name (Zantac) and a generic drug.
- It is commonly available as a tablet, syrup, and capsule for oral intake.
- It also comes as an injectable solution.
- It is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach and intestinal ulcers, including a rare condition called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome where your stomach makes acid in excess.
- It is also used to heal the lining of the esophagus (acid-related damage)
What Is Ranitidine?
Ranitidine is a medicine that is available in an over-the-counter and prescription version. This medicine is available as a generic drug and the brand-name drug called Zantac.
The prescribed Ranitidine comes as an oral syrup, oral capsule, or oral tablet or in some extreme cases doctor suggests an injectable solution.
How Does It work?
Ranitidine belongs to histamine receptor antagonists. It is a class of drugs that work in a similar way to treat similar conditions.
Unlike antacid which neutralizes the acid that has already been made by your stomach, Ranitidine reduces the amount of acid in your stomach.
Why It Is Used?
It is used to treat various conditions, including:
- Erosive Esophagitis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Gerd)
- Stomach And Intestinal Ulcers
- Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Generally, it is used as a short-term treatment for conditions like GERD. You can also take is as a part of combination therapy.
Side Effects Of Ranitidine
Ranitidine may cause both common and serious side effects.
Common Side Effects Include:
- Stomach Discomfort Or Pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
If these mild effects don’t go away within a few days or a couple of weeks, you should consult with your pharmacist or doctor.
Serious Side Effects Include:
Abnormal heart rate, with the following symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness
- Fast heart rate
Abnormalities in your brain function, with the following symptoms such as:
- Blurry Vision
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Agitation
- Confusion
Inflammation of your liver, with the following symptoms such as:
- Dark urine
- Tiredness
- Yellow eyes
- Stomach pain
- Yellowing of your skin
If you are experiencing these serious side effects, call your doctor right away.
Interaction With Other Medications
Ranitidine may interact with medications and it can prevent the drug from working well which sometimes has dangerous effects on your body.
Various drugs that can cause interactions with ranitidine:
- Delavirdine
- Procainamide
- Glipizide
- Atazanavir
- Warfarin
- Triazolam
- Gefitinib
- Midazolam
Always consult with your doctor if you’re taking these medicines with ranitidine.
How To Take Ranitidine?
The possible dosage and drug forms depend on:
- Your age, sex, and other factors.
- The severity of your condition.
- How you react to the first dose.
- Your other medical conditions.
- The condition being treated, etc.
Important Considerations
General
- You can take it with or without food.
- Always take this drug as recommended by your doctor.
- You can also crush or cut the tablet.
Storage
- Keep it away from direct sunlight.
- Don’t store this drug in damp or moist areas, such as bathrooms.
- Store this drug at room temperature only. Keep the temperature between 15°C to 30°C or 59°F to 86°F.
Ranitidine Warnings
Ranitidine comes with certain warnings. It can cause severe allergic reactions, symptoms include:
- Rashes
- High fever
- Swelling of your tongue or throat
- Trouble breathing, etc.
Do not continue this drug if you’ve ever had such allergic reactions to it.
Conclusion
The drug information explained in this article doesn’t cover all the possible uses, allergic reactions, directions, warnings, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects.
You should always consult your health history with your doctor or healthcare professionals before taking this drug.
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