Ranitidine (By injection)

Ranitidine (ra-NI-ti-deen)

Treats stomach ulcers and conditions that cause your stomach to make too much acid (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). This medicine is given to people who cannot take Zantac® by mouth.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ranitidine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a vein or into one of your muscles.
  • A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using triazolam (Halcion®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Limited testing has found unacceptable levels of a probable human carcinogen, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), in some ranitidine medicines
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart rhythm problems, or a history of acute porphyria.
  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
  • Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat.
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
  • Pain, itching, or burning in the skin where the needle is placed.
  • Unusual bruising, bleeding, or weakness.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Constipation or diarrhea.
  • Headache, may be severe.
  • Upset stomach.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088


Last Updated: 9/6/2024

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