H2-receptor antagonists
Ranitidine Hydrochloride
The FDA lists this product in 60 strengths and forms.
Indications
Ranitidine Tablets are indicated in: Short- term treatment of active duodenal ulcer. Most patients heal within 4 weeks. Studies available to date have not assessed the safety of Ranitidine in uncomplicated duodenal ulcer for periods of more than 8 weeks. Maintenance therapy for duodenal ulcer patients at reduced dosage after healing of acute ulcers. No placebo- controlled comparative studies have been carried out for periods of longer than 1 year.
The treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and systemic mastocytosis). Short-term treatment of active, benign gastric ulcers. Most patients heal within 6 weeks and the usefulness of further treatment has not been demonstrated. Studies available to date have not assessed the safety of ranitidine in uncomplicated, benign gastric ulcer for periods of more than 6 weeks. Maintenance therapy for gastric ulcer patients at reduced dosage after healing of acute ulcers.
Placebo-controlled studies have been carried out for 1 year. Treatment of GERD. Symptomatic relief commonly occurs within 24 hours after starting therapy with Ranitidine Tablets USP, 150 mg twice daily. Treatment of endoscopically diagnosed erosive esophagitis. Symptomatic relief of heartburn commonly occurs within 24 hours of therapy initiation with Ranitidine Tablets USP, 150 mg 4 times daily. Maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis.
Placebo-controlled trials have been carried out for 48 weeks. Concomitant antacids should be given as needed for pain relief to patients with active duodenal ulcer; active, benign gastric ulcer; hypersecretory states; GERD; and erosive esophagitis.
Contraindications
Ranitidine Tablets are contraindicated for patients known to have hypersensitivity to the drug or any of the ingredients (see PRECAUTIONS ).
Adverse reactions
The following have been reported as events in clinical trials or in the routine management of patients treated with Ranitidine Tablets. The relationship to therapy with Ranitidine Tablets has been unclear in many cases. Headache, sometimes severe, seems to be related to administration of Ranitidine Tablets. Central Nervous System: Rarely, malaise, dizziness, somnolence, insomnia, and vertigo. Rare cases of reversible mental confusion, agitation, depression, and hallucinations have been reported, predominantly in severely ill elderly patients.



