Rantac Injection 2ml (Ranitidine 25mg)

INTRODUCTION

RANTAC contains Ranitidine which belongs to a group of medicines called H2 receptor antagonists. It acts by reducing the amount of acid produced in your stomach. It is indicated for the treatment of duodenal ulcer, benign gastric ulcer, reflux esophagitis, post-operative peptic ulcer, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome and other conditions where reduction of gastric secretion and acid output is desirable. It also heals and stop problems caused by heartburn (acid in the food pipe) or indigestion. It can also be used for the prophylaxis and maintenance treatment of duodenal or benign gastric ulcer in patients with a history of recurrent ulceration.

Ranitidine reduces the secretion of gastric acid stimulated either by food or drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), often used to treat arthritis. It reduces gastric acid production by reversibly binding to histamine (H2) receptors present in the lining of gastric parietal cells. It inhibits both basal gastric secretion and gastric acid secretion induced by histamine, pentagastrin and other secretagogues.

Along with this treatment, your doctor might recommend you, to take enough rest and drink plenty of fluids. Sticking to simple meals and avoiding rich or spicy food can also be beneficial. Avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol during this therapy, as it may reduce the chances of healing and worsen the ulcers. The most common side effects of taking this medicine are stomach pain, constipation or nausea, although not everybody gets them. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have stomach cancer, kidney problems, porphyria or diabetes. RANTAC should not be taken during pregnancy or while breast-feeding unless considered essential by your doctor.

USES OF RANTAC

Used in the treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers, heartburn (acid in the food pipe) and indigestion in both adults and in children above 3 years of age
Stops acid reflux, while under anesthesia during an operation

HOW RANTAC WORKS

Ranitidine causes reversible binding to histamine (H2) receptors present in the lining of gastric parietal cells. Binding of histamine to H2 receptors triggers the production of stomach pain. Ranitidine selectively and competitively antagonizes the effects of histamine at H2-receptors and reduces the secretion of gastric acid. It also inhibits gastric acid secretion induced by pentagastrin and other secretagogues.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

This medicine should always be administered by a physician or a nurse into the vein (intravenously) or muscle (intramuscularly). Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy depending upon your age, weight and disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF RANTAC

SERIOUS
Allergic reactions (such as skin rash, flaking skin, swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, mouth or tongue, fever, sudden wheezing, fluttering or tightness of the chest, chest pain, feeling faint or collapse)
Kidney problems (painful urination, fever, back pain)
Feeling confused
Slow or irregular heartbeat
COMMON
Stomach pain
Constipation
Feeling sick (nausea)

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Feeling sick (nausea):

Try taking this medicine with, or just after, a meal. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

Constipation:

Eat fibre rich foods like fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals. Drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have smaller and frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
RANTAC should be used with caution if you are pregnant, or if you are trying to become pregnant. Consult your doctor for advice.

BREASTFEEDING
RANTAC should be used with caution if you are breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for advice.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machines if your ability is affected by this medicine.

ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine.

KIDNEY
RANTAC should be taken with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to ranitidine.

LUNGS
RANTAC should be taken with caution in patients with severe lung disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

HEART DISEASE
RANTAC should be taken with caution in patients with heart problem or a history of heart disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

OTHERS

Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you:

Have stomach cancer, porphyria, diabetes or any problems with your immune system

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

Medicines used to treat diabetes (e.g. glipizide or glibenclamide)
Medicines used to treat heart problems (e.g. procainamide, N-acetylprocainamide or propranolol)
Medicines used to induce sleep (e.g. triazolam or midazolam)
Medicines used to treat infections (e.g. raltegravir, atazanavir, delavirdine, ketoconazole, itraconazole or cefpodoxime)
Medicines used to treat cancer (e.g. gefitinib or lapatinib)
Warfarin (used to stop blood clots)
Lidocaine (a local anaesthetic)
Diazepam (used to treat anxiety)
Phenytoin (used to treat epilepsy)
Theophylline (used to treat long term breathing problems)