Health Centres - Ranitic (ranitidine)
How does it work?
Ranitic tablets contain the active ingredient ranitidine, which is a type of medicine called an H
Ranitidine works by blocking histamine H
Stomach acid is produced in the stomach as a normal part of the digestive process. Normally the linings of the stomach and duodenum (an area of the intestine directly after the stomach) are protected by a layer that resists acid attack. However, if this layer is damaged, or large amounts of stomach acid are formed, an ulcer can develop on the lining of the stomach or duodenum. This is called a peptic ulcer.
Acid produced in the stomach can also sometimes flow back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This is called gastro-oesophageal reflux, and can cause pain and a burning sensation known as heartburn. It can also irritate and damage the lining of the oesophagus, causing a condition called reflux oesophagitis.
By reducing the production of stomach acid, ranitidine can be used to treat all these and other conditions. It stops excess acid flowing back into the foodpipe and can be used to relieve heartburn symptoms associated with acid reflux. It also allows the oesophagus to heal in reflux oesophagitis.
By reducing the amount of acid in the stomach and duodenum ranitidine relieves the symptoms of indigestion. It also allows peptic ulcers to heal, and prevents them from recurring. Ranitidine can be given together with antibiotics to help eradicate bacteria called Helicobacter pylori from the stomach. These bacteria can contribute to the formation of peptic ulcers. Ranitidine helps create an environment in the gut in which the antibiotics can be more effective at killing the bacteria.
Ranitidine can also be used to prevent and treat peptic ulcers that can occur as a side effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac.
Ranitidine is also used to depress stomach acid production in various other conditions. It is used in varying doses and for varying lengths of time depending on the condition being treated.
What is it used for?
In adults:
- Treating duodenal ulcers associated with H pylori infection (in combination with antibiotics).
- Preventing peptic ulcers in people taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Preventing recurrent bleeding in people with bleeding peptic ulcers.
- Preventing bleeding from stress ulceration in the gut in people who are critically ill, eg in intensive care.
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
- Excessive secretion of stomach acid due to a tumour or enlargement of the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).
- Chronic indigestion related to meals or that disturbs sleep, but which is not related to any of the above conditions.
- Preventing inhalation of acid from the stomach (acid aspiration) whilst under general anaesthetic
- Preventing inhalation of acid from the stomach (acid aspiration) in pregnant women during labour.
In children aged 3 to 18 years:
- Short-term treatment of peptic ulcers.
-
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
Warning!
-
Stomach cancer can have similar symptoms to stomach ulcers, and these symptoms can be relieved by ranitidine. For this reason, if it is suspected that you have a stomach ulcer, your doctor should exclude the possibility of stomach cancer before you start treatment with this medicine. This is particularly important if you are middle aged or older and have new or recently changed symptoms. Otherwise, this medicine could mask the symptoms of stomach cancer and therefore delay diagnosis of this condition.
- A large study has recently suggested that elderly people and people with diabetes, chronic lung disease, or an underactive immune system (for example due to treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or diseases such as HIV) may have a higher risk of developing pneumonia while they are taking H
Use with caution in
- Severely decreased kidney function.
Not to be used in
- 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.
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. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- 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.
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.
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