Ranitidine (Terry White Chemists)

Generic Name: Ranitidine hydrochloride
Product Name: Ranitidine (Terry White Chemists)

Indication

Short-term treatment and relapse prevention of:

• ulcers in the stomach and duodenum
• inflammation of the oesophagus caused by reflux.

Terry White Chemists Ranitidine is also used to treat a disease called gastrinoma and inflammation of the oesophagus caused by an autoimmune disease called scleroderma.

Action

Ulcers in the stomach and duodenum are caused (or worsened) by too much acid in the stomach. Terry White Chemists Ranitidine is a drug that blocks acid production by special cells in the stomach. Reducing the acid helps treat the symptoms of ulcers and reflux, and also helps the ulcers to heal. Ranitidine is helpful in preventing these problems from coming back as well.

Dose advice

Acute gastric/duodenal ulcer:

• 300mg at bedtime or 150mg twice daily (morning and bedtime) for 4 weeks
• Maintenance: (for one year)
  • Duodenal ulcer:
    • 150mg at bedtime (300mg for smokers)
  • Gastric ulcer:
    • 150mg at bedtime

Gastrinoma:

• 150mg three times daily, increasing to 600-900mg daily if necessary

Oesophagitis:

• 300mg at bedtime or 150mg twice daily in acute stages
• 150mg twice daily for maintenance

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

• mild skin rash
• constipation or diarrhoea
• abdominal discomfort or pain
• dizziness, headache, tiredness
• muscle and joint aches

Uncommon side effects

• increased or decreased heart rate or irregular beats
• insomnia
• vertigo
• hair loss
• reduced sex drive or impotence (rare)

Severely ill patients may suffer a number of nervous effects such as:

• agitation
• depression
• hallucinations
• confusion

For further information talk to your doctor.