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Ranitidine

Systems	Gastro-Intestinal System
Category	H2-receptor antagonists

Pharmacokinetics

It is well absorbed orally, but its bioavailablity is reduced when given with antacids. Theraupetic effect lasts for about 4-7 hours. It is excreted mainly in the urine, within 24 hours mainly as unchanged drug. It can cross the placental barrier and is secreted in milk.

Indications

Ranitidine belongs to the class Histamine H2-receptor antagonists, known also as H2-blockers, which are used to treat duodenal ulcers and prevent their recurrence. They are also used to treat gastric ulcers and for some conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. These drugs are used to relieve and prevent heartburn, acid indigestion, and stomach hyperacidity.

Routes of Administration and Dosage

Oral: 150 mgs bd or 300 mgs at bed time. Parenteral: 50 mgs I.M or slow I.V. Rapid I.V injection can cause hypotention.

Contra Indications

H2-blockers may be contraindicated in : Renal disease, hepatic disease: the H2-blocker may build up in the bloodstream, which increases the risk of side effects. Immunodeficiency : Decrease in stomach acidity caused by H2-blockers may increase the risk

Precautions

Allergies : Allergies to Ranitidine may occur. Pregnancy : H2-blockers have not yet been fully studied in pregnant women. Breast-feeding : Ranitidine passes into the breast milk and may cause adverse effects, such as decreased amount of stomach acid and increased excitement, in the nursing baby. . Adults : Confusion and dizziness may be especially likely to occur in elderly patients, who are usually more sensitive than younger patients.

Interactions

Aminophylline, Anticoagulants, Caffeine, Metoprolol, Oxtriphylline, Phenytoin, Propranolol, Theophylline, Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, amoxapine, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline, protriptyline ) : these drugs when used with ranitidine have been shown to potentiate the effects of ranitidine. Itraconazole, Ketoconazole : H2-blockers may decrease the effects of itraconazole or ketoconazole, hence H2-blockers should be taken at least 2 hours after these drugs.

Brand Names

ACILOC (CADILA PHARMA), ADVENE (KNOLL PHARMA), RANITIDINE (GLAXO), RANTAC(UNIQUE), ZINETAC(GLAXO)