The sections below will provide you with more specific information and guidelines related to ranitidine and its correct use. Please read them carefully.
FDA Information
Ranitidine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Ranitidine was first developed by Glaxo (now GlaxoSmithKline) in an effort to match the success of Smith, Kline & French (also now GlaxoSmithKline) with the first histamine H2-receptor antagonist cimetidine. Ranitidine was the result of a rational drug-design process utilising the, by then, fairly refined model of the histamine H2-receptor and quantitative structure-activity relationships.
Glaxo refined the model further by replacing the imidazole-ring of cimetidine with a furan-ring with a nitrogen-containing substituent, and in doing so developed ranitidine. Ranitidine was found to have a far-improved tolerability profile (i.e. fewer adverse drug reactions), longer-lasting action, and ten times the activity of cimetidine.
Ranitidine was introduced in 1981 and was the world’s biggest-selling prescription drug by 1988. It has since largely been superseded by the even more effective proton pump inhibitors, with omeprazole becoming the biggest-selling drug for many years.
In US, GlaxoSmithKline received US FDA approval for Ranitidine 75 mg, the OTC version of the anti-ulcer drug.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Other uses for this medicine
Ranitidine is also used sometimes to treat upper gastrointestinal bleeding and to prevent stress ulcers, stomach damage from use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and aspiration of stomach acid during anesthesia.
However, it is important that you talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your particular condition.
Dosage and using this medicine
What special precautions should I follow?
What side effects can this medication cause?
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS FROM RANITIDINE:
headache (may be severe)
decreased sex drive, impotence
swollen or tender breasts (in men)
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
diarrhea or constipation
TELL YOUR DOCTOR IF ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS ARE SEVERE OR DO NOT GO AWAY:
headache
constipation
diarrhea
upset stomach
vomiting
stomach pain
IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS, CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY:
allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat)
Ranitidine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of an emergency/overdose
Name: ZANTAC
Name: ZANTAC
Name: RANITIDINE
Name: RANITIDINE
Name: RANITIDINE
Name: RANITIDINE
Name: RANITIDINE
Name: RANITIDINE
Name: RANITIDINE
Name: RANITIDINE