Ranitidine bismuth citrate was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1998.
Ranitidine is in a class of drugs called histamine receptor antagonists. Ranitidine works
by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach produces.
Bismuth is a mild antibiotic.
Citrate is a form of salt.
Ranitidine bismuth citrate is used to decrease the amount of acid in the stomach and to
treat Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial infection involved in causing stomach ulcers. Ranitidine
bismuth citrate is most commonly used with clarithromycin (Biaxin), an antibiotic, to treat this
infection.
Ranitidine bismuth citrate may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ranitidine bismuth citrate?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
kidney disease;
liver disease; or
acute porphyria.
You may not be able to take ranitidine bismuth citrate, or you may
require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
Ranitidine bismuth citrate is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is
unknown whether ranitidine bismuth citrate will harm an unborn baby. Do not take ranitidine
bismuth citrate without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether ranitidine bismuth citrate passes into breast milk. Do not
take ranitidine bismuth citrate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should I take ranitidine bismuth citrate?
Take ranitidine bismuth citrate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Ranitidine bismuth citrate is usually taken twice a day (every 12 hours) for 4 weeks. You
will probably also take the antibiotic clarithromycin (Biaxin) three times a day for the first 2
weeks of therapy. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you it is all right to do so,
even if you are feeling better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely
treated.
Store ranitidine bismuth citrate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of ranitidine bismuth citrate?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a
double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Where can I get more information about ranitidine bismuth citrate?
Your pharmacist has information about ranitidine bismuth citrate written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of ranitidine bismuth citrate?
Stop taking ranitidine bismuth citrate and seek emergency medical attention if you
experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take ranitidine
bismuth citrate and talk to your doctor if you experience
changes in taste;
headache or dizziness;
diarrhea, nausea, or constipation; or
tremor (shaking).
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about ranitidine bismuth citrate?
Ranitidine bismuth citrate was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1998.
Do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you it is all right to do so,
even if you are feeling better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely
treated.
What should I avoid while taking ranitidine bismuth citrate?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking ranitidine bismuth
citrate unless your doctor directs otherwise.
What other drugs will affect ranitidine bismuth citrate?
Before taking ranitidine bismuth citrate, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the
following medicines:
Sedatives, sleeping pills, or tranquilizers such as alprazolam
(Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) may cause dangerous sedation
when taken with ranitidine bismuth citrate.
Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin
(Coumadin) may have increased effects, which could result in bleeding.
Seizure medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and
carbamazepine (Tegretol) may have dangerous side effects when taken with ranitidine bismuth
citrate.
Medications for heart disorders, such as procainamide
(Procanbid, Procan SR, Pronestyl), propranolol (Inderal), and metoprolol (Lopressor), may
have increased effects on your heart when you are taking ranitidine bismuth citrate.
Oral diabetes drugs such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide
(Diabeta, Micronase), and tolbutamide (Tolinase) may have increased effects, and very low
blood sugar levels may result.
Cisapride (Propulsid), which is taken for stomach
conditions, as well as antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox),
and fluconazole (Diflucan), may increase side effects.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with ranitidine
bismuth citrate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of ranitidine bismuth citrate?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
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given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
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interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009