Indications

Ranitidine is used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux) and peptic ulcer disease.

Contraindication

History of acute porphyria.

Special Precautions

Possibility of malignancy should be excluded prior to therapy as the drug may mask symptoms and delay diagnosis of gastric malignancy. Patients w/ difficulty in swallowing. Renal and hepatic impairment. Pregnancy and lactation. Patient Counselling Cigarette smoking may decrease efficacy of medication. Monitoring Parameters Monitor serum ALT concentrations daily from the 5th day to the remainder of IV therapy; gastric pH and renal function.

Side Effects

Headache, malaise, dizziness, somnolence, insomnia, vertigo, reversible mental confusion, agitation, mental depression, hallucinations, constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort or pain, rash (urticaria, maculopapular, and/or pruritic), loss of libido. Small increases in serum creatinine, increases in serum aminotransferase (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase, LDH, total bilirubin, and γ-glutamyl transferase. Rarely, mild erythema multiforme-like rash, reversible involuntary motor disturbances, pancreatitis, alopecia, bronchospasm, fever, cardiac arrhythmias, eosinophilia, leukopenia, granulocytopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anaemia, acquired immune haemolytic anaemia, and pancytopenia.

Drug Interactions

Delayed absorption and increased peak serum concentration w/ propantheline bromide. Ranitidine minimally inhibits hepatic metabolism of coumarin anticoagulants, theophylline, diazepam and propanolol. May alter absorption of pH-dependent drugs (e.g. ketoconazole, midazolam, glipizide). May reduce bioavailability w/ antacids.

Route of Administration

Oral, Injection

Dosage

As directed by the physician