hepatotoxicity concern over prescribed medication

[marsal]

I am a Hep C patient and have been prescribed ranitidine tablets 300 mg twice a day for esophageal erosion.  The doctor did not order any monitoring of my LFT's.  Should I be concerned?  I have read that ranitidine can harm the liver.  I have been taking it for 1 week now.

[crsrph]

a h 2 blocker blocks the production of acid thus increasing the stomach ph  the proton pump inhibitors block the pumping of that acid into the stomach to increase the stomach ph .                                                                  marsal ast and alt should be monitered 1-2 x a year in patients on high dose and long duration of therapy. however since you have hep c you get these run every 6 months so you should be good in that regard .doubt that you will have a problem with the zantac

[neptune235]

Ranitidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist, and is generic for Zantac.  Nearly all medicines carry some form of liver and kidney warning--but I've taken tagament/zantac for years (well, I used to, now it's omeprazole/prilosec)--prescribed by gastro-docs with full knowledge of my hcv status.

I'd say you are okay, but a quick call to your doctor should alleviate any remaining apprehension.

[sallyo]

Is a histamine antaganist the same as a PPI?

[wyntre9]

i am a newly diagnosed, beginning hep-c injectionist and i have no idea of what you're talking about but i wish you the best of luck and success in your treatment.
you're not alone.
wyntre