Data source:
http://bodyandhealth.canada.com/drug_info_details.asp?brand_name_id=28
How does
Apo-Ranitidine work? What will it do for me?
Ranitidine
belongs to the class of medications called H2-antagonists.
Ranitidine is used to reduce the amount of acid secreted by
the stomach in order to reduce ulcer and heartburn pain or
to assist in healing of ulcers and damage caused by
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Ranitidine is also
used to prevent ulcers in certain circumstances and to treat
a condition associated with large amounts of stomach acid
secretion known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Your doctor may
have suggested this medication for conditions other than the
ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not
discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are
taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop
taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What side
effects are possible with Apo-Ranitidine?
The side
effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes
this medication. If you are
concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of
this medication with your health professional. They may be able
to help you to deal with some of the effects.
The following
side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the
medicine; check with your doctor if the following side effects
continue or become bothersome.
Less common or
rare
constipation
decreased sexual ability
decrease in sexual desire
diarrhea
difficult urination
dizziness
drowsiness
dryness
of mouth or skin
headache
increased or decreased urination
increased sweating
loss of
hair
ringing
or buzzing in ears
runny
nose
swelling of breasts or breast soreness (women and men)
trouble
sleeping
Contact your
doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects
occur:
abdominal pain
back,
leg, or stomach pain
bleeding or crusting sores on lips
blistering, burning, redness, scaling, or tenderness of skin
blisters on palms of hands and soles of feet
changes
in vision or blurred vision
confusion
coughing or difficulty swallowing
dark-coloured
urine
dizziness
fainting
fast,
pounding, or irregular hearbeat
fever
or chills
flu-like symptoms
general
feeling of discomfort or illness
hives
inflammation of blood vessels
joint
pain
light-coloured
stools
mental
depression, nervousness, or severe mental illness
mood or
mental changes, including anxiety, agitation, confusion, or
hallucinations
muscle
cramps or aches
nausea,
vomiting, or loss of appetite
pain
peeling
or sloughing of skin
red or
irritated dyes
shortness of breath
skin
rash or itching
slow
heartbeat
sore
throat
sores,
ulcers, or white spots on lips, mouth, tongue, or eyelids
swelling of hands or feet
swollen
or painful glands
tightness in chest
troubled breathing
unusual
bleeding or bruising
unusual
tiredness or weakness
unusually slow or irregular breathing
wheezing
yellow eyes or skin
Some people
may experience side effects other than those listed.
Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries
you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or
warnings for Apo-Ranitidine?
Before you
begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any
medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications
you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and
any other significant facts about your health. These factors may
affect how you should use this medication.
Kidney
function: In cases of
impaired kidney function, the ranitidine dose should be reduced
as recommended by your doctor.
Pregnancy:
The safety of ranitidine for use by pregnant women has not been
established. This medication is recommended for use during
pregnancy only if absolutely necessary.
Breast-feeding: Ranitidine
passes into breast milk. Speak to your doctor about the risks
and benefits of breast-feeding while using this medication.
Children:
Experience with ranitidine use by children is limited. However,
it has been used successfully by children aged 8 to 18 years in
oral (by mouth) doses up to 150 mg twice daily.
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