Ranitidine

General

Ranitidine is an active ingredient that falls into the class of histamine H2 receptor blockers. Ranitidine is mainly found in drugs that are prescribed for the treatment of diseases where the amount of stomach acid is the cause.
There are different concentrations of ranitidine in drugs that are supposed to inhibit acid production in the stomach. Common active ingredient concentrations range from 75mg to 300mg. The active ingredient ranitidine is at a concentration of 75mg per tablet and up to a total concentration of 1050mg per pack prescription free.

Mode of action

The active ingredient ranitidine sets on the so-called Histamine H2 receptor on. Usually when the tissue hormone histamine attaches to this receptor increased Stomach acid educated. Ranitidine inhibits this process by competing with histamine for binding to this receptor.

In contrast to histamine, however, gastric acid production is not driven by ranitidine, but prevented. Ranitidine, for example, effectively inhibits the activity of the Parietal cells of the stomach, which for the production the stomach acid are responsible.
As a result of the lower amount of stomach acid, symptoms such as heartburn effectively relieve and disease like one Reflux esophagitis and Duodenum- and Stomach ulcers treat effectively.

The active ingredient ranitidine is broken down by the liver and up to 80% is excreted in the kidneys. The half-life in the blood, i.e. the time after which only half of the active ingredient can be found in the blood, is around 2-3 hours. Depending on the clinical picture, different concentrations are recommended for the treatment of the disease.

Indications

The primary indication for taking ranitidine is a medication for treating a Duodenum- or Gastric ulcer. At the same time, ranitidine can be used to treat ailments such as heartburn and acid regurgitation, as well as one Inflammation of the esophagus (Reflux oesophagitis).

Another indication for ranitidine is the simultaneous use of Cortisone, or from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs here is ranitidine as Stomach protection used because taking these drugs can often cause symptoms such as stomach pain, heartburn, and stomach bleeding. Ranitidine can also be given to reduce the risk of Aspiration of gastric acid to effectively lower it during childbirth.

With a present allergic shockRanitidine is also used to prevent allergic shock from occurring intravenous in combination with Histamine H1 receptor blockers administered.

Contraindications

Generally it applies that with known Hypersensitivity reactions on the active ingredient ranitidine this should not be taken. Even with previous allergic reactions Active ingredients of the group of the Histamine H2 receptor blockers A doctor should always be consulted about the use of ranitidine.

When the metabolic disorder is present acute porphyria should be refrained from taking ranitidine because ranitidine is a acute attack of porphyria can trigger. A doctor should be informed before taking ranitidine if the following constellations exist:

Kidney dysfunction, since up to 80% of ranitidine is excreted via the kidneys and the intake of the active ingredient simultaneous Renal dysfunction with clearly higher drug concentrations goes hand in hand in the body.

In the event of an accidental Weight losswhich with Indigestion weight loss should be clarified before taking.

At a positive family history For Stomach cancer and Ulcers in the area of ​​the duodenum and the stomach, connected to one older age and Discomfort in the upper abdomen, A diagnosis of malignant diseases should always be carried out before taking ranitidine, as ranitidine can and can mask these symptoms diagnosis these diseases with it strongly delay could.

The simultaneous use Ranitidine and other drugs may cause one reinforced effect other drugs lead. Ranitidine, for example, increases the effects of some Calming- respectively Sleeping pills as well as the effect of the Blood sugar lowering drug Glipizide acute.
By breaking down ranitidine in the liver and inhibiting an enzyme that is important for breaking down alcohol, the Effect of alcohol when taking ranitidine at the same time reinforced.

The effect of some Medicines for fungal infections can by taking ranitidine weakened become.

It exists no Known side effects of existing from taking ranitidine pregnancy would affect. Nevertheless, the attending physician should always be consulted before taking ranitidine during pregnancy.
During the Lactation However, you should refrain from taking drugs with the active ingredient ranitidine, as ranitidine passes into breast milk and therefore Harm to the infant cannot be excluded.

Due to insufficient study experience, the use of ranitidine in children under 16 years for the treatment of heartburn Not to recommend. The general treatment of children with the active ingredient ranitidine should always be discussed with the attending physician.

Side effects

As with most active ingredients, there are side effects that may occur when taking ranitidine. Many of the organs present in humans possess Histamine H2 receptors, the site of action of ranitidine, however, undesirable effects on organs besides the effect in the stomach are hardly known.
Nevertheless, in rare cases, side effects such as States of confusion, depression, Cardiac arrhythmias, skin rash and Loss of libido.
Occasionally it occurs with the use of ranitidine nausea, Vomit, diarrhea, constipation and changes in liver- such as Kidney values in the blood count.

Since the Concentration- and Responsiveness Ranitidine may affect your ability to operate heavy equipment and drive.

Alternatives

More active ingredient falling into the group of Histamine H2 receptor blockers fall are Cimetidine, Famotidine, and Roxatidine.

For treating conditions like a Duodenum- or one Gastric ulcer, as well as the Reflux disease and complaints like heartburn there are other drugs that are often prescribed for the respective diseases.
The common alternatives to the active ingredient ranitidine are Proton pump inhibitorswhich, similar to ranitidine, which Stomach acid production inhibit.In contrast to ranitidine, however, one takes up to 90 percent Inhibition of gastric acid production takes place, whereas ranitidine only produces one 50 percent Reduction in production can be achieved.
New guidelines for treating the Reflux esophagitis as well as for the treatment of Stomach- and Duodenal ulcer prefer proton pump inhibitor medication to ranitidine and other histmain H2-receptor blockers.