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Ranitidine: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Ranitidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist historically indicated for the following conditions, where it remains available in a given country/market: Established/approved uses: short-term…

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About Ranitidine

Indications of Ranitidine

Ranitidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist historically indicated for the following conditions, where it remains available in a given country/market:

  • Established/approved uses: short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer; maintenance therapy for duodenal ulcer at reduced dosage; treatment of active benign gastric ulcer; treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); treatment and maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis; treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
  • Symptomatic/OTC-type use: relief of heartburn and acid indigestion (in low-dose formulations, where such formulations remain marketed).

Important regulatory note: Ranitidine-containing products were withdrawn from the market in several countries (including a market withdrawal requested by the US FDA in April 2020) after testing found that levels of a probable human carcinogen, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), could increase in the product over time and with storage, including under normal conditions. Continued availability of Ranitidine therefore depends on the current regulatory status in the local market; patients should confirm with a physician or pharmacist whether Ranitidine is currently authorized and, where alternatives (such as other H2-blockers or proton pump inhibitors) are recommended instead.

Dosage & Administration of Ranitidine

IndicationAdult dosePediatric dose
Active duodenal or gastric ulcer150 mg twice daily, or 300 mg once daily at bedtime, for 4-8 weeksAge 1 month-16 years: 2-4 mg/kg/day in two divided doses (max 300 mg/day)
Maintenance of healed ulcer150 mg once daily at bedtimeNot routinely established; individualize under specialist guidance
GERD150 mg twice dailyAge 1 month-16 years: 5-10 mg/kg/day in divided doses
Erosive esophagitis150 mg four times dailyAs above for GERD, under specialist supervision
Pathological hypersecretory conditions (e.g. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)150 mg twice daily, titrated up to 6 g/day in divided doses if neededNot established; specialist management required
Heartburn/acid indigestion (low-dose OTC-type use, where marketed)75-150 mg as needed, not exceeding labeled maximumNot recommended without physician advice

Renal impairment: in patients with creatinine clearance below 50 mL/min, the recommended dose of Ranitidine is 150 mg once every 24 hours, with dosage interval adjustment as clinically indicated. Ranitidine should be taken exactly as directed by the prescribing physician, and only where it remains authorized for sale in the local market (see Description for regulatory background).

Side Effects of Ranitidine

Ranitidine is generally well tolerated where it remains available. Reported side effects include:

  • Common: headache (sometimes severe), constipation, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dizziness.
  • Uncommon/rare: reversible confusion, agitation, depression, or hallucinations (predominantly reported in elderly or severely ill patients and those with renal impairment); malaise; blurred vision; rash; and rare blood count abnormalities (e.g. thrombocytopenia, leukopenia), liver enzyme elevations or hepatitis, bradycardia, and hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis and angioedema.

Patients should seek prompt medical attention for signs of hypersensitivity, unusual bruising/bleeding, jaundice, or persistent confusion.

Contraindications of Ranitidine

Ranitidine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to ranitidine or to any component of the formulation, and in patients with known hypersensitivity to other H2-receptor antagonists (due to potential cross-sensitivity).

Frequently Asked Questions about Ranitidine

What is Ranitidine used for?

Ranitidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist used to reduce stomach acid, for conditions such as duodenal and gastric ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis, and heartburn/acid indigestion, where it remains available in the local market.

Is Ranitidine still available or has it been banned?

Following detection of the probable carcinogen NDMA, which can increase in Ranitidine products over time and with storage, the US FDA requested withdrawal of all Ranitidine products from the US market in April 2020, and several other countries took similar action or temporarily suspended sale. Availability of Ranitidine therefore varies by country and has changed over time; patients should check current local regulatory status with a pharmacist or physician before use, and should not assume Ranitidine is universally or routinely available.

Can Ranitidine be taken during pregnancy?

Ranitidine has historically been considered a relatively low-risk H2-blocker option in pregnancy, but it should be used only if clearly needed and if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, and only after consulting a physician; current local availability of Ranitidine should also be confirmed given its regulatory history.

What are the common side effects of Ranitidine?

Common side effects of Ranitidine include headache, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness. Rare but more serious effects include confusion (especially in elderly or renally impaired patients), blood count changes, liver enzyme changes, and hypersensitivity reactions; seek medical attention if these occur.

Who should not take Ranitidine?

Ranitidine is contraindicated in anyone with a known hypersensitivity to ranitidine, to any ingredient in the formulation, or to other H2-receptor antagonists.

What should I do if I take too much Ranitidine?

If an overdose of Ranitidine is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center/emergency services right away rather than attempting home treatment.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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