• chest pain, fever, feeling short of breath, coughing up green or yellow mucus;

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

• fast or slow heart rate;

• problems with your vision;

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or

• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache (may be severe);

• drowsiness, dizziness;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; or

• swollen or tender breasts (in men);

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or

• diarrhea or constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect ranitidine?

Before taking ranitidine, tell your doctor if you are taking triazolam (Halcion). You may not be able to use ranitidine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs that can interact with ranitidine, or be affected by ranitidine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ranitidine.

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.