Ranitidine Bismuth Citrate tablets

What are ranitidine bismuth citrate tablets?

RANITIDINE BISMUTH CITRATE (Tritec®) is used in combination with the antibiotic clarithromycin (Biaxin®) to treat active duodenal ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori. Generic ranitidine bismuth citrate tablets are not available.

NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the US. Ask your health care provider regarding alternative medical treatments.

What should my health care professional know before I take ranitidine bismuth citrate?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease

• porphyria

• an unusual or allergic reaction to ranitidine bismuth citrate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take ranitidine bismuth citrate tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with ranitidine bismuth citrate?

• antacids

• cefditoren

• cefpodoxime

• cefuroxime

• delavirdine

• enoxacin

• itraconazole

• ketoconazole

• propantheline

• certain antibiotics such as tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking ranitidine bismuth citrate?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your ulcer pain does not improve or gets worse. You may need to take this medicine for several days as prescribed before your symptoms improve. Finish the full course of tablets prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you feel better.

Do not self-medicate with aspirin, ibuprofen or other antiinflammatory medicines; these can aggravate your ulcer and may make it bleed.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these increase ulcer irritation and can lengthen the time it will take for your ulcers to heal.

If you need to take an antacid you should take it at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after ranitidine bismuth citrate. Ranitidine bismuth citrate will not be as effective if taken at the same time as an antacid.

If you get black, tarry stools or vomit up what looks like coffee grounds, call your prescriber or health care professional at once. You may have a bleeding ulcer.

What side effects may I notice from taking ranitidine bismuth citrate?

Side effects with ranitidine bismuth citrate are generally infrequent.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• agitation, nervousness, depression, hallucinations

• breast swelling and tenderness, or sexual difficulties (impotence) in men

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• skin rash, itching

• unusual weakness or tiredness

• vomiting

• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation or diarrhea

• dizziness

• headache

• nausea

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F) in a dry place. Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.