Brand Name
Apo-Ranitidine
Common Name
ranitidine
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 00733059 | APO-RANITIDINE 150MG TABLET |
| 00733067 | APO-RANITIDINE 300MG TABLET |
| 02230507 | APO-RANITIDINE 75MG TABLET |
| 02280833 | APO-RANITIDINE 15MG/ML ORAL SOLUTION |
How does this medication 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. It is used to treat stomach and duodenal (intestinal) ulcers, and 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.
The over-the-counter form of raniditine is used to treat conditions where a reduction of stomach acid is needed, such as acid indigestion, heartburn, or sour or upset stomach. It can also be used to prevent these symptoms when they are associated with eating food or drinking beverages.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. 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.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of ranitidine ranges from 150 mg daily to 300 mg twice daily depending on the condition being treated. Ranitidine may be taken with or without food.
When used over-the-counter to treat acid indigestion, heartburn, or sour or upset stomach, the usual dose for adults and children 16 years of age or older is 75 mg to 150 mg taken when symptoms appear. If symptoms persist for more than 1 hour or return after 1 hour, you may take a second dose of the same strength. To prevent symptoms brought on by consuming food or beverages, take the dose 30 to 60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that are expected to cause symptoms. The maximum dose is 300 mg every 24 hours. Do not take it in this manner for more than 2 weeks without seeking medical advice.
Injection: The injectable form of raniditine may be used in hospitals under specific circumstances when the patient is not able to swallow tablets. The usual dose of ranitidine injection is 50 mg every six to eight hours given intravenously (into a vein) or intramuscularly (into a muscle).
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store the tablets at room temperature, protect them from light and moisture, and keep them out of the reach of children.
Store the injection in the refrigerator between 2°C and 25°C, protect it from light, and do not allow it to freeze. Keep it out of the reach of children.
This medication is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Tablet
75 mg
Each pink, shield-shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablet engraved "75" on one side contains ranitidine hydrochloride equivalent to 75 mg of ranitidine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, vanillin, red ferric oxide, yellow ferric oxide, and carnauba wax.
150 mg
Each round, white to off-white, biconvex, film-coated tablet engraved "APO" on one side and "RAN" over "150" on the other side contains 150 mg of ranitidine (as the hydrochloride). Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polydextrose, titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, vanillin, and carnauba wax.
300 mg
Each capsule-shaped, white to off-white, biconvex, film-coated tablet engraved "APO" on one side and "RAN" over "300" on the other side contains 300 mg of ranitidine (as the hydrochloride). Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polydextrose, titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, vanillin, and carnauba wax.
Oral Solution
Every 10 mL of clear, peppermint-flavoured oral solution contains 168 mg of ranitidine hydrochloride (equivalent to 150 mg of ranitidine anhydrous free base per 10 mL oral solution). Nonmedicinal ingredients: butylparaben, hypromellose, peppermint oil, potassium phosphate, propylparaben, purified water, saccharin sodium, sodium chloride, sodium phosphate dibasic, and sorbitol solution.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use this medication if you:
- are allergic to ranitidine or any ingredients of the medication
- are allergic to any other H2-antagonist (e.g., cimetidine, famotidine)
