Ranitidine injection

What is this medicine?

RANITIDINE (ra NYE te deen) is a type of antihistamine that blocks the release of stomach acid. It is used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers. It can relieve ulcer pain and discomfort, and the heartburn from acid reflux.

Ranitidine has been withdrawn from the market due to safety concerns. The FDA recommends that you stop taking any ranitidine you currently have, dispose of it properly, and not buy more. Talk to your health care provider if you need advice about treatments.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle, or infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

• agitation, nervousness, depression, hallucinations

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breast enlargement in both males and females

• breathing problems

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

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

• vomiting

• yellowing of the skin or eyes

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

• constipation or diarrhea

• dizziness

• headache

• nausea

What may interact with this medicine?

• atazanavir

• delavirdine

• gefitinib

• glipizide

• ketoconazole

• midazolam

• procainamide

• triazolam

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• porphyria

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

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not start to get better or gets worse. You may need to take this medicine for several days as prescribed before your symptoms get better.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation in your stomach and can lengthen the time it will take for ulcers to heal. Cigarettes and alcohol can also make acid reflux or heartburn worse.

If you need to take an antacid you should take it at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after this medicine. This medicine 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 doctor or health care professional at once. You may have a bleeding ulcer.

This medicine may cause a decrease in vitamin B12. You should make sure that you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.