Anaphylaxis to Ranitidine

Over a year ago i was given ranitidine for the treatment of GERD. I took my first dose and i started to feel nausea so i went to bed, during the night i started vomiting and not like any vomit i had ever experienced before. i thought nothing of it, until my heart began to race through out the night. the next morning i thought i might be allergic to one of my medication as i was prescribed 2 medication all at once. i thought it was the other medication ( citalopram) so i didn't take that and i took the ranitidine, within 30 min of taking i had more and more problems breathing, i felt like i was suffocating. i rang my doctor as i didn't know what to do and she put me through as she could tell i couldn't breathe even through she couldn't understand me. By the time the ambulance arrived my lips and neck has swollen, i could barely say a word let alone a sentence. i had a rash around my neck and my oxygen saturation was low. i arrived at the hospital and was put into re suss and given adrenaline by injection and i was given prednisone. i was given oxygen and i recovered well, spent the next few days in hospital recovering. This would never have happened if my doctor had not prescribed me to medication at once. I feel lucky to be alive as later the ambulance officer and he said he thought i was a goner. I never realized how serious it was before and when I arrived at the hospital the doctors where shocked i was allergic to ranitidine as it can be given for allergic reactions.
I don't want to be the only one as it makes it harder as the doctors are always amazed.

So what i want to know if you or any one you know also allergic to ranitidine weather mild or serious?

[Nikodicreta]

Hey freddie8605.

Do you live close to Christchurch?
I hope your family and friends are safe and well.

You probably belong to the "rare side effects" group!
Sorry to hear about your ordeal with this medication.
Even more common side effects are not exactly very common.
The main thing is that, this is all behind you now!

However, there are other concerns with taking certain medications,
as people do not understand the mechanisms involved.
Please take the time to read my latest post to "imalerie" titled MedMigraine in the Depression community, dated Feb 24 (my latest reply), as it relates to this.
You will also find information on possible causes of excess stomach acid production.

Please post again should you have any questions.

Blessings
Nikodicreta

[Maya_33]

I take Ranitidine for my allergies, I never heard of somebody having a allergic reaction to it but it must be a rare side effect. But nobody belieaves when I say what Im allergic to, and almost die from it, and Im one in 260 million who has this allergy, Im deadly allergic to WATER of any kind even my sweet :S

[freddie8605]

Wow yeah i have heard of that. when i was younger i watched a documentary about this lady who couldn't have showers etc without a lot of pain. I guess in a way i am lucky because i can easily avoid Ranitidine but you cant easily avoid water as it is a essential need for life. How do you deal with it? how do drink enough water to survive and shower etc?

[freddie8605]

Hi yes i have been affected by the earthquake in Christchurch. but i am well and so are my family. Thank you for your post.