USES: This medication
reduces the amount of acid in your stomach. It is used to treat and prevent ulcers, to
treat gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and to treat conditions associated with
excessive acid secretion.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: This
medication is best taken with or immediately after meals. Antacids and sucralfate can
block the effect of this medication. If you are taking an antacid in addition to this
medication, separate the doses of each medication by at least one half hour. If you are
taking sucralfate in addition to this medication, take the ranitidine 2 hours before the
sucralfate. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval. Stopping
therapy too soon may delay healing of the ulcer.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, diarrhea, headache,
or dizziness may occur at first as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects
persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you experience unusual bleeding or bruising, pounding chest pain,
rash, difficulty sleeping, mental changes, or extreme weakness while taking this
medication. Also, itching, trouble breathing/wheezing.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your full
medical history, especially if you have kidney or liver disease, porphyria, or any
allergies.
Smoking helps cause ulcers and can prevent healing. Smoking should be avoided. Alcohol
can irritate the stomach and cause bleeding. Consult your doctor.
Pulmonary
- Critical Care Associates
