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Ranitidine HCL is used to prevent and treat peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is a prescription that blocks the production of acid. This belongs to the class of medications called Histamine-2 (H2) blockers. Histamine is a naturally occurring chemical that stimulates cells in the stomach to produce acid. The cells are called parietal cells. H2 blockers prevent the action of histamine on the cells. Therefore, it lessens the production of acid by the stomach. Since too much stomach acid can damage the stomach or esophagus and lead to inflammation and ulceration, decreasing stomach acid prevents and heals acid-induced ulcers and inflammation.
This medication is already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1984. This product is supplied as a tablet. Each tablet is available in the dosage strength of 150 mg for oral use.
Peptic ulcers develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. This condition is an open sore that has the most common symptom which is stomach pain. There are two types of peptic ulcers;
GERD occurs when contents from your stomach persistently and regularly flow up into your esophagus. The esophagus may be referred to as the food pipe and is the tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach. The acid and the esophagus cause heartburn and other symptoms, also possible tissue damage. Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. GERD is mild acid reflux that happens at least twice a week. Common signs and symptoms of this condition are chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or the sensation of a lump in your throat.
How does Ranitidine HCL work?
Ranitidine HCL blocks the H2 receptors that stop the cells from producing too much stomach acid. H2 receptors are to be found on the cells inside the stomach lining. Natural body chemical called histamine usually acts on these receptors that cause them to produce stomach acid to help digest food.
This medication also lessens the backflow of acid into the food pipe that can cause heartburn symptoms and damage to the food pipe. By lessening the amount of acid in the stomach and duodenum, this medicine allows peptic ulcers to heal.
Your indigestion and heartburn should start to feel better within an hour or 2 hours. The effects will usually last for around 12 hours. It may take a few weeks for this medication to work properly. Depending on your problems, you may still have some acid symptoms during this time.
How to use Ranitidine HCL?
The tablet is to be taken by mouth depending on the dosage that will be prescribed to you. Swallow the tablet as a whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, chew, or crush it. Drink plenty of fluids while having this treatment. The given dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the medication. Take each dose exactly as it is given by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than the prescription. Your doctor may give you a lower dose to start and gradually increase it.
Ranitidine HCL is to be taken as directed by your doctor. Each dose may be taken with or without a meal. Take it regularly for the best benefit of this product. Remember to take it at the same time and in the same way each day. Let your doctor know if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse. Do not suddenly stop this treatment without the consent of your doctor.
What are the side effects of Ranitidine HCL?
Common side effects:
Call your doctor right away and stop using this drug if these serious side effects occur:
If you have signs of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away:
Warnings and Precautions