Other Brands/Names

Aciblock, Acran, Aldin, Anitid, Doranit, Gastridin, Getidin, Hexer, Hufadine, Radin.

How It Works

Ranitidine functions by competitively blocking histamine, a natural substance released in the stomach lining, which leads to decreased acid production. This action reduces the level of hydrogen ions or the components of gastric acid present in the stomach.

Indications

Ranitidine is used for a variety of conditions where lowering stomach acid is helpful, including:

• Stomach (gastric) ulcers and duodenal ulcers

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Recurring functional indigestion

• Ulcers caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Duodenal ulcers associated with H. pylori infection

• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a rare digestive disorder involving tumors in the pancreas or duodenum)

Contraindication

Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to ranitidine.

Side Effects

Some people may experience side effects such as:

• Headache

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

Seek immediate medical advice if you develop more serious reactions, including:

• Blurred vision

• Mood or mental changes (such as confusion, agitation, hallucinations, or depression)

• Unusual bleeding or bruising

• Breast enlargement

• Extreme fatigue

• Irregular, rapid, or slow heartbeat

• Symptoms of infection (persistent sore throat, fever, chills)

• Intense abdominal pain

• Dark-colored urine

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

Although rare, a severe allergic reaction may occur. Get emergency medical attention if you notice rash, facial or throat swelling, intense dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

Types

Ranitidine is available in several forms, including:

• Film-coated tablets or caplets (150 mg or 300 mg)

• Oral syrup (60 ml)

• Injectable formulation

Dosage

• Adults (oral medications): For mild gastric and duodenal ulcers: 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg at bedtime for 4–8 weeks. For recurring functional dyspepsia: treatment may continue up to 6 weeks. For ulcers caused by NSAIDs: up to 8 weeks. For duodenal ulcers: 300 mg twice daily for 4 weeks may provide faster healing.
• Children (oral medications): For gastric ulcers: 2–4 mg per kg body weight, twice daily (maximum of 300 mg per day). For GERD: 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg at night for up to 8 weeks (12 weeks in severe cases); for long-term management: 150 mg twice daily. For Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: 150 mg three times daily; dosages up to 6 grams per day in divided doses may be required.
• Injection medicines and other indications: Dosage will be decided by a healthcare provider.

Safety

• Ranitidine is classified as FDA pregnancy category B. While studies in animals have not shown harmful effects on the fetus, no well-controlled studies exist in humans.
• This medication is excreted in breast milk; consult your physician before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Ranitidine reduces stomach acid, which may interfere with the absorption of medications that require an acidic environment. The following drugs may be affected:

• Atazanavir

• Dasatinib

• Delavirdine

• Some antifungals (like itraconazole and ketoconazole)

• Levoketoconazole

• Pazopanib

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