Ranitidine Hydrochloride



Zantac®; Zantac 75®[OTC]; Zantac 150™[OTC]; Zantac® EFFERdose®







Ranitidine Hydrochloride

(ra NI ti deen hye droe KLOR ide)

U.S. Brand Names
Zantac®; Zantac 75®[OTC]; Zantac 150™[OTC]; Zantac® EFFERdose®
Canadian Brand Names
Alti-Ranitidine; Apo-Ranitidine®; BCI-Ranitidine; CO Ranitidine; Gen-Ranidine; Novo-Ranidine; Nu-Ranit; PMS-Ranitidine; Ranitidine Injection, USP; Rhoxal-ranitidine; Sandoz-Ranitidine; Zantac®; Zantac 75®
Mexican Brand Names
Acloral®; Alter-H!2®; Alvidina®; Anistal®; Azanplus®; Azantac®; Credaxol®; Galidrin®; Neugal®; Ranifur®[tabs]; Ranifur®[inj.]; Ranisen®; Raudil®; Serviradine®; Ulcedin®; Ulsaven®; Ultran®
Pharmacologic Category
Histamine H
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to ranitidine hydrochloride or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease.
  • This medicine is used to treat gastrointestinal ulcers.
  • This medicine is used to treat syndromes caused by huge amounts of stomach acid.
How does it work?
  • Ranitidine prevents symptoms and damage to the gastrointestinal tract caused by stomach acid or infection.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Take this medicine at bedtime if you are taking once a day.
  • Drop effervescent tablet or granules in cup of water. Drink when dissolved.
  • A liquid (syrup) is available if you cannot swallow pills.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin, aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • If you have PKU, talk with healthcare provider. Some products do contain phenylalanine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Headache.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: