How does it work?

Ranitidine is one of a group of medicines known as H2-receptor antagonists. It acts by blocking histamine receptors which are present on the cells in the stomach lining. Normally a substance called histamine binds to these receptors. Histamine is a chemical produced throughout the body and has many effects. When histamine binds to H2 receptors on cells in the stomach lining, it causes them to produce acid. Ranitidine binds to H2 receptors, replacing some of the histamine. As a result, the amount of stomach acid produced by these cells is decreased. Stomach acid is present as a normal part of the digestive process. If large amounts of stomach acid are produced this can cause the pain in the abdomen commonly known as indigestion. The excess acid may also flow back into the food pipe (oesophagus) causing pain and a burning sensation known as heartburn. Normally the lining of the stomach and duodenum (an area of the intestine directly after the stomach) have a protective layer which resists acid attack. If this layer is damaged, or large amounts of stomach acid are formed, a peptic ulcer can develop. Ranitidine decreases the amount of acid in the stomach and duodenum. As a result, ranitidine helps relieve the symptoms of indigestion and aids the healing of ulcers. It is also used to depress acid production in various other conditions.

What is it used for?

Excessive secretion of stomach acid due to a tumour or enlargement of the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Peptic ulcers

Preventing inhalation of acid from the stomach (acid aspiration) whilst under general anaesthetic or during childbirth

Prevention of bleeding from stomach or duodenal ulcers caused by stress in seriously ill people

Prevention of peptic ulcers in people taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Prevention of recurrent bleeding in people with bleeding peptic ulcers

Treatment of duodenal ulcers associated with H pylori infection

Upset stomach characterised by stomach pain and burning, nausea and excess gas (dyspepsia)

Warning!

This medicine can mask the symptoms of stomach cancer and therefore delay diagnosis of this condition. For this reason, the possibility of stomach cancer should be excluded by your doctor before you start treatment with this medicine, particularly if you are middle aged or over and have new or recently changed indigestion symptoms.

Use with caution in

Severely decreased kidney function

Not to be used in

Life long inherited blood disease characterised by sudden attacks of high blood pressure, mental disturbances and abdominal pain (acute intermittent porphyria)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Depression

Inability of a man to have an erection (impotence)

Alteration in results of liver function tests

False perceptions of things that are not really there (hallucinations)

Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)

Hair loss (alopecia)

Allergy to active ingredients (hypersensitivity) such as facial flushing, skin rash, itch, narrowing of airways (bronchospasm) or swelling of lips, tongue or throat (angioedema)

Pain in the muscles and joints

Headache

Dizziness

Rash

Confusion

Blood disorders

Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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