Brand Names: Taladine, Zantac, Zantac 150, Zantac 300, Zantac 75, Zantac EFFERdose

Generic Name: ranitidine (Pronunciation: ra NI ti deen)

• What is ranitidine (Zantac)?
• What are the possible side effects of ranitidine?
• What is the most important information I should know about ranitidine?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ranitidine?
• How should I take ranitidine?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking ranitidine?
• What other drugs will affect ranitidine?
• Where can I get more information?

What is ranitidine (Zantac)?

Ranitidine is in a group of drugs called histamine-2 blockers. Ranitidine works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces.

Ranitidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also treats conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Ranitidine also treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

Ranitidine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ranitidine 150 mg-APO

round, white, imprinted with APO 025

Ranitidine 150 mg-GG

round, pink, imprinted with GG 705

Ranitidine 150 mg-IVA

round, beige, imprinted with 150, LOGO 4357

Ranitidine 150 mg-NVP

round, white, imprinted with N 544, 150

Ranitidine 150 mg-TEV

round, white, imprinted with N 544, 150

Ranitidine 150 mg-WAT

round, beige, imprinted with WATSON 760

Ranitidine 300 mg cap-GEN

brown, imprinted with GG 615

Ranitidine 300 mg-APO

oblong, white, imprinted with APO, RAN 300

Ranitidine 300 mg-GG

round, orange, imprinted with GG 706

Ranitidine 300 mg-IVA

oval, beige, imprinted with LOGO 4358, 300

Ranitidine 300 mg-NVP

oblong, white, imprinted with N 547, 300

Ranitidine 300 mg-PAR

oval, yellow, imprinted with par 545

Ranitidine 300 mg-WAT

oblong, beige, imprinted with WATSON 761

Zantac 150 mg

pentagonal, yellow, imprinted with Glaxo, ZANTAC 150

Zantac 300 mg

oblong, yellow, imprinted with ZANTAC 300, Glaxo

Zantac 75 mg

pentagonal, pink, imprinted with Z, 75

What are the possible side effects of ranitidine?

Stop using ranitidine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking ranitidine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• chest pain, fever, feeling short of breath, coughing up green or yellow mucus;
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• fast or slow heart rate;
• problems with your vision;
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache (may be severe);
• drowsiness, dizziness;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; or
• swollen or tender breasts (in men);
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or
• diarrhea or constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Zantac (ranitidine hcl) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about ranitidine?

Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ranitidine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or porphyria.

Using ranitidine may increase your risk of developing pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia include chest pain, fever, feeling short of breath, and coughing up green or yellow mucus. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of developing pneumonia.

Your doctor may recommend an antacid to help relieve pain. Carefully follow your doctor's directions about the type of antacid to use, and when to use it.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of damage to your stomach.

It may take up to 8 weeks of using this medicine before your ulcer heals. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment.