How should I take ranitidine?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Your doctor may recommend an antacid to help relieve pain. Carefully follow your
doctor's directions about the type of antacid to use, and when to use it.
Do not crush, chew, or break the ranitidine
effervescent tablet, and
do not allow it to dissolve on your tongue. The 25-milligram effervescent tablet must be
dissolved in at least 1 teaspoon of water before swallowing. The150-milligram effervescent
tablet should be dissolved in 6 to 8 ounces of water.
Allow the tablet to dissolve completely in the water, and then drink the entire mixture. If
you are giving this medicine to a child, you may draw the liquid mixture into a medicine dropper
and empty the dropper into the child's mouth.
Ranitidine granules should be mixed with 6 to 8 ounces of water before drinking.
Measure the liquid form of ranitidine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a
regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
It may take up to 8 weeks of using this medicine before your ulcer heals. For best
results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not
improve after 6 weeks of treatment.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any
doctor who treats you that you are using ranitidine.
Store ranitidine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include lack of coordination, feeling light-headed, or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking ranitidine?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of damage to your stomach.
Print
Email
Save
Media Gallery
Drug Info Tools
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
