Ranitidine (ra-NIT-ti-deen)

Treats stomach ulcers and conditions that cause your stomach to make too much acid (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). This medicine is given to people who cannot take Zantac® by mouth.

Brand Name(s):

Zantac

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a vein or into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using triazolam (Halcion®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart rhythm problems, or a history of acute porphyria.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
• Pain, itching, or burning in the skin where the needle is placed.
• Unusual bruising, bleeding, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation or diarrhea.
• Headache, may be severe.
• Upset stomach.