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Ranitidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach or intestines and prevent them from returning after treatment. This medication is also used to treat certain stomach and throat problems caused by too much acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis) or a backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD). This form of ranitidine is given by injection and is used for short-term treatment of these conditions when you cannot take this medication by mouth. Your doctor should switch you to taking this medication by mouth when possible. Ranitidine is known as an H2 histamine blocker. It works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. This helps heal and prevent ulcers and improves symptoms such as heartburn and stomach pain.

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

Ranitidine is injected into a vein or muscle as directed by your doctor. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, dosage may also be based on body weight. If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: procainamide, propantheline. This medication decreases the amount of acid in your stomach. This can change the amount of medication absorbed from your stomach which may affect how these medications work. Examples of affected drugs include atazanavir, delavirdine, dasatinib, gefitinib, glipizide, raltegravir, triazolam among others. Azole antifungals such as ketoconazole may also be affected. Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain aspirin or aspirin-like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) that can cause stomach irritation/ulcers. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This medication and similar H2 histamine blockers (e.g., cimetidine, famotidine) are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Do not use them at the same time. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (e.g., urine protein), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and diet changes (e.g., avoiding caffeine, certain spices) may increase the effectiveness of this medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., endoscopy, kidney/liver function tests) may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include difficulty walking, severe dizziness/fainting.

Before using ranitidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other H2 histamine blockers (e.g., cimetidine, famotidine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain blood disorder (porphyria). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat), immune system problems, kidney problems, liver problems, lung problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), other stomach problems (e.g., tumors). Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Tell your doctor immediately if you have: chest pain or shoulder/jaw pain (especially with trouble breathing), heartburn combined with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, pain spreading to arms/neck/shoulders, unexplained weight loss. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially confusion and dizziness. Ranitidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Ranitidine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Headache, dizziness, constipation, or diarrhea may occur. Pain, redness, burning or stinging may occur at the injection site. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: vision changes (e.g., blurred vision), mental/mood changes (e.g., nervousness, confusion, depression, hallucinations), easy bleeding/bruising, enlarged breasts, severe tiredness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, cough), severe abdominal/stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but get medical help right away if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.