Ranitidine is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter gastric medications.
Problems withDigestionhave many people, and they don't always result from a malfunction in the digestive tract. They appear after overeating, abusing coffee, alcohol, hot spices. It happens that some symptoms (e.g. repeatedheartburn ) signal the beginning of a more serious illness -peptic ulcer diseaseorgastroesophageal reflux . Therefore, drugs containing this substance are recommended in the treatment of these diseases as a means of supporting the basic treatment.
Ranitidine - what is it?
Ranitidine is an active ingredient that blocks the histamine type 2 receptors on the cells in the lining of the stomach, preventing these cells from secreting hydrochloric acid. In this way, acidity decreases, i.e. the pH of gastric juice increases.
Ranitidine - advantages
It is well absorbed from the digestive tract. It reaches the maximum concentration in the blood 2 hours after taking it, and its effect lasts for about 12 hours. A valuable feature is that ranitidine inhibits the secretion of hydrochloric acid both at night and during the day, when its production in the stomach is stimulated by consumed food and some stimulants, e.g. coffee or alcohol. However, it does not limit the production of mucus or the secretion of pancreatic enzymes. It does not affect the metabolism of most drugs, which makes it safe to use. It helps in the treatment of existing ulcers as well as in the prevention of this type of ailments.
Ranitidine - disadvantages
If a patient needs to take antacids or drugs that act locally on the gastric mucosa, ranitidine should be taken at least two hours before or after ingestion. Failure to follow this rule leads to its limited absorption. People using oral antifungal medications should consult a physician as ranitidine may limit absorption.
Ranitidine crosses the placenta and into breast milk
For these reasons, the drug is administered to pregnant and breastfeeding women when the benefits outweigh the possible risks to the baby and only after consulting a doctor. Treatment with this substance rarely causes side effects, but some people may experience: skin rash,hives, disturbances in heart rhythm or vision, headache, dizziness, sleepiness or sleep disturbances, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, and sometimes an increase in liver enzymes.
Be careful
People who suffer from stomach ailments and await a diagnosis confirming gastric ulceration should not use preparations with ranitidine without consulting a doctor. Taking the drug may mask the symptoms of stomach cancer and delay proper diagnosis. The same should be done by people with kidney problems (the substance is excreted by the kidneys) and liver problems (ranitidine is metabolized in the liver). In such patients the doctor must prescribe a correspondingly lower dose. People who are constantly taking NSAIDs may use ranitidine, but under the supervision of a doctor.
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