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Ranitidine belongs to a group of drugs called histamine-2 blockers. It works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces.
Ranitidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It is also used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Ranitidine is also used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
On November 24, 2025, the FDA approved reformulated ranitidine tablets after a five-year absence following the 2020 market withdrawal due to cancer-causing NDMA impurities. The new formulation addresses previous contamination issues through improved safety testing and manufacturing processes.
Indications
Ranitidine belongs to a group of drugs called histamine-2 blockers. It works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces.
Ranitidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It is also used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Ranitidine is also used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
On November 24, 2025, the FDA approved reformulated ranitidine tablets after a five-year absence following the 2020 market withdrawal due to cancer-causing NDMA impurities. The new formulation addresses previous contamination issues through improved safety testing and manufacturing processes.
Contraindications
Heartburn can mimic early symptoms of a heart attack . Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder and you feel anxious or light-headed.
Before using any OTC medicine to reduce stomach acid, ask a doctor or pharmacist if the medicine is safe for you if you have other medical conditions or allergies .
Ask a doctor before using any OTC stomach acid medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to ranitidine : hives ; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
stomach pain, loss of appetite; dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); fever, chills, cough with mucus, chest pain, feeling short of breath; fast or slow heart rate ; easy bruising or bleeding; or problems with your skin or hair.
Common ranitidine side effects may include:
nausea , vomiting , stomach pain; or diarrhea , constipation .
This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects tothe FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Using ranitidine may increase your risk of developing pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia include chest pain, fever, feeling short of breath, and coughing up green or yellow mucus. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of developing pneumonia.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ranitidine.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or porphyria.
Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or a heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.
Ranitidine granules and effervescent tablets must be dissolved in water before you take them. Your doctor may recommend an antacid to help relieve pain. Carefully follow your doctor's directions about the type of antacid to use, and when to use it. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of damage to your stomach. It may take up to 8 weeks of using this medicine before your ulcer heals. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment.
High Risk Groups
Using ranitidine may increase your risk of developing pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia include chest pain, fever, feeling short of breath, and coughing up green or yellow mucus. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of developing pneumonia.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ranitidine.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or porphyria.
Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or a heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.
Ranitidine granules and effervescent tablets must be dissolved in water before you take them. Your doctor may recommend an antacid to help relieve pain. Carefully follow your doctor's directions about the type of antacid to use, and when to use it. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of damage to your stomach. It may take up to 8 weeks of using this medicine before your ulcer heals. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment.
Adult Dosage
150 mg (150 (150)) 8 hourly PO,IV,IM —
Scraped Dose — Take ranitidine exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
It may take up to 8 weeks before your ulcer heals. Keep using your medications as directed and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks.
Your doctor may recommend an antacid to help relieve pain. Carefully follow your doctor's directions about the type of antacid to use and when to use it.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Child Dosage
0.5 to 1 mg/kg (0.75 (0.75)) 6 hourly Intramuscular —
0.5 to 1 mg/kg (0.75 (0.75)) 6 hourly Intravenous —
Neonatal Dosage
0.5 mg/kg (0.5 (0.5)) 6 hourly Intravenous —
Drug Interactions
Many drugs can interact with ranitidine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins , and herbal products . Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Storage
Caps Store at room temperature, Below 25°C or in refrigerator. Do not Freeze. Protect from Sunlight and Moisture. Tab Store Below 40°C. Protect from Sunlight and Moisture.
