RANITIDINE is a type of antihistamine that blocks the release of stomach acid. It is used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers. It can relieve ulcer pain and discomfort, and the heartburn from acid reflux.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• phenylketonuria
• porphyria
• an unusual or allergic reaction to ranitidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Dissolve this medicine in 5 ml (1 teaspoonful) of water just before taking by mouth. After the dose is dissolved, swallow all of the liquid to get the entire dose. Tablets should not be chewed, swallowed whole, or dissolved on the tongue. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

• atazanavir
• delavirdine
• gefitinib
• glipizide
• ketoconazole
• midazolam
• procainamide
• propantheline
• triazolam
• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not start to get better or gets worse. You may need to take this medicine for several days as prescribed before your symptoms get better. Finish the full course of tablets prescribed, even if you feel better.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation in your stomach and can lengthen the time it will take for ulcers to heal. Cigarettes and alcohol can also make acid reflux or heartburn worse.

If you need to take an antacid you should take it at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after this medicine. This medicine will not be as effective if taken at the same time as an antacid.

If you get black, tarry stools or vomit up what looks like coffee grounds, call your doctor or health care professional at once. You may have a bleeding ulcer.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• agitation, nervousness, depression, hallucinations
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breast enlargement in both males and females
• breathing problems
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired
• vomiting
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation or diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea

This list may not include all possible side effects.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.