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ranitidine hydrochloride
Apo-Ranitidine†, Zantac*, Zantac-C†, Zantac 75OTC, Zantac 150, Zantac 150 EFFERdose, Zantac 150 GELdose, Zantac 300, Zantac 300 GELdose

Pregnancy Risk Category B

How supplied
Tablets:
75 mgOTC, 150 mg, 300 mg
Tablets (dispersible):
150 mg‡
Tablets (effervescent):
150 mg
Granules (effervescent):
150 mg
Syrup:
15 mg/ml*
Injection:
25 mg/ml
Infusion:
0.5 mg/ml in 100-ml containers

Action
Competitively inhibits action of H2 at receptor sites of the parietal cells, decreasing gastric acid secretion.

Indications & dosage
Duodenal and gastric ulcer (short-term treatment); pathologic hypersecretory conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome--

Adults:
150 mg P.O. b.i.d. or 300 mg daily h.s. Or, 50 mg I.V. or I.M. q 6 to 8 hours. Patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may need doses up to 6 g P.O. daily.
Maintenance therapy for duodenal or gastric ulcer--

Adults:
150 mg P.O. h.s.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease--

Adults:
150 mg P.O. b.i.d.
Erosive esophagitis--

Adults:
150 mg P.O. q.i.d. Maintenance dose is 150 mg P.O. b.i.d.
Heartburn--

Adults:
75 mg (Zantac 75 only) P.O. as symptoms occur, not to exceed 150 mg daily.
Adjust-a-dose:
For renally impaired patients with creatinine clearance below 50 ml/minute, 150 mg P.O. q 24 hours or 50 mg I.V. q 18 to 24 hours.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
vertigo, malaise.
EENT:
blurred vision.
GU:
increased serum creatinine levels.
Hematologic:
reversible leukopenia, pancytopenia.
Hepatic:
elevated liver enzymes, jaundice.
Other:
burning and itching at injection site, anaphylaxis, angioneurotic edema.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
Antacids: may interfere with ranitidine absorption. Stagger doses if possible.
Diazepam:
decreased absorption of diazepam. Monitor closely.
Glipizide:
possible increased hypoglycemic effect. Adjust glipizide dosage as needed.
Procainamide:
possible decreased renal clearance of procainamide. Monitor patient closely for toxicity.
Warfarin:
possible interference with warfarin clearance. Monitor closely.

Effects on diagnostic tests
Drug may cause false-positive results in urine protein tests using Multistix.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug.

Nursing considerations

I.V. administration

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

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