Gavilast (ranitidine)

How does it work?

Gavilast tablets contain the active ingredient ranitidine, which is a type of medicine called an H2 receptor antagonist. Ranitidine acts in the stomach to decrease the production of stomach acid.

Ranitidine works by blocking histamine H2 receptors that are found on the cells in the stomach lining. A natural body chemical called histamine normally binds to these receptors, causing the cells to produce stomach acid. By blocking the H2 receptors, ranitidine prevents histamine from binding to them. This stops the cells from producing stomach acid.

Stomach acid is produced as a normal part of the digestive process. If large amounts of stomach acid are produced this can cause the pain and discomfort 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.

By reducing the production of stomach acid, ranitidine helps relieve the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.

One Gavilast tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water as soon as you have symptoms. If symptoms persist for more than one hour or return, take another tablet. Do not take more than two tablets in 24 hours.

What is it used for?

Excess acid in the stomach (hyperacidity)

Heartburn

Indigestion.

Warning!

Indigestion and heartburn can sometimes be symptoms of more serious conditions such as stomach ulcers or stomach cancer. For this reason, you should consult your doctor before taking this medicine if any of the following apply to you: you are middle aged or older and your indigestion symptoms are new or recently changed; you have difficulty swallowing; you have persistant stomach pain or unintended weight loss associated with indigestion; or you are taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), eg aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, indometacin, naproxen, azapropazone, piroxicam or ketoprofen.

Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Do not use this medicine for longer than six days without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

If your symptoms persist or get worse despite taking this medicine you should consult your doctor.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function (consult your doctor before taking this medicine).

Not to be used in

Children under 16 years of age

History of acute porphyria (a blood disorder).

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 known to be harmful when used during pregnancy. However, as with all medicines, it is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. If you are pregnant you must seek medical advice from your doctor before taking this medicine.

This medicine passes into breast milk. The effect on a nursing infant is not known. The manufacturer recommends that this medicine should not be used during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

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. These are all either rare or very rare. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Allergic reaction

Skin rash

Alteration in results of liver function tests

Diarrhoea

Headache

Dizziness

Blurred vision

Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

Impotence

Hair loss (alopecia)

Pain in the muscles and joints

Confusion

Depression

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

Decrease in the normal number of blood cells in the blood

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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