Ranitidine Hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of ulcer in the stomach or duodenum and for the treatment of problems related to acid reflux from the stomach to the esophagus, excess stomach acid indigestion or heartburn.

How it works?

Ranitidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist remedy, thus inhibiting the production of acid by the stomach, induced by histamine and gastrin.

This favors the healing of gastritis, peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, and prevents the onset of malaise and heartburn and other complications.

The Side Effects

Some of the side effects of Ranitidine may include wheezing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, mouth or tongue, hives or skin cracking, fever, feeling weak, nausea, loss of appetite, skin and eyes yellowing, heartbeat or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, excessive tiredness or weakness, blurred vision, hair loss, impotence, stomach pain, diarrhea, shortness of breath and fatigue, recurrent infections or bruising.

When Is It Contraindicated?

Ranitidine is contraindicated for women who are pregnant or intending to become pregnant, are breast-feeding, and are allergic to Ranitidine Hydrochloride or any of the ingredients in the formula.

In addition, Ranitidine tablets are also contraindicated for children and for people with kidney problems or with porphyria.

Nursing Care

• The medication should be administered exactly as recommended and treatment should not be discontinued, without the physician’s knowledge, even if the patient achieves improvement;
• The medication should not be used during lactation. In case of pregnancy (confirmed or suspected) or if the patient is breastfeeding, the doctor should be informed immediately. Caution is also recommended in cases of hepatic or renal dysfunction;
• Inform the patient of the most frequent adverse reactions related to the use of the medication and in the occurrence of any one, especially the uncommon or intolerable, the doctor should be consulted. Also report the possible occurrence of alopecia;
• During therapy, the patient should receive adequate hydration;
• May cause dizziness or drowsiness. Recommend that the patient avoid driving and other activities that require alertness during therapy;
• It recommends the patient to avoid smoking (to prevent any interference in the healing or decrease of the medication effect), the consumption of alcohol or caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea and cola drinks) and the concomitant use of acetylsalicylic acid, as well as of any other drug or medication, without the physician’s knowledge, during therapy;
• During therapy, evaluate: Adverse reactions and, in the presence of hepatic or renal reactions, consider dose reduction;
• Laboratory Tests: May cause increases in TGP;
• Drug interactions: attention during concomitant use of other drugs;
• OV: the medication should be given during meals and before bed;
• IV: dilute 50mg in 20ml of saline 0.9% and infuse in 5min.;
• Continuous infusion: dilute 50mg in 1400ml of 5% glycosated serum and infuse in 15-20min .; after dilution (saline 0.9% or 5% glycoside), the solution remains stable for 48 hours (room temperature).