How it is administered

Ranitidine is available in several forms for oral administration, including tablets (150 mg and 300 mg), capsules (150 mg and 300 mg), and oral solution/syrup (15 mg/mL). The medication is usually taken by mouth, with or without food. Dosage and frequency depend on the condition being treated and individual patient needs.

How it works

Ranitidine is a type of medicine known as a histamine H2-receptor antagonist. It works by blocking the action of histamine at the H2-receptors in the stomach. Histamine is a chemical in the body that stimulates the stomach to produce acid. By blocking these receptors, ranitidine reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach.

This reduction in stomach acid helps to relieve symptoms and promote healing in conditions where excess acid is a problem, such as ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and certain rare conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and systemic mastocytosis. In systemic mastocytosis, ranitidine helps manage symptoms caused by increased acid secretion due to excessive histamine release from mast cells.

Who Should take it

Ranitidine is indicated for people who need to reduce stomach acid production. This includes those with active duodenal or gastric ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis, and for maintenance therapy after ulcer healing. Importantly, ranitidine is also used to treat pathological hypersecretory conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and systemic mastocytosis, where the body produces too much stomach acid.

For patients with systemic mastocytosis, ranitidine can help control symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and ulcers that result from excessive histamine release and acid production. The medication can be used in both adults and children (over 1 month old) for these indications, with dosing adjusted for age and weight.

Who should not take it

Ranitidine should not be taken by anyone who has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to ranitidine or any of its ingredients. If you have experienced an allergic reaction to ranitidine in the past, you should avoid this medication.

Additionally, caution should be used in patients with severe kidney or liver impairment, and the dose may need to be adjusted. Ranitidine should also be avoided in patients with a history of acute porphyria, as rare reports suggest it may trigger attacks. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor before starting ranitidine.

Commonly used with

Ranitidine is often used alongside antacids for additional relief of pain or discomfort caused by stomach acid. It may also be used with other medications that protect the stomach lining or treat related symptoms, depending on the underlying condition.

In the context of systemic mastocytosis, it may be combined with other medications that help control mast cell activity or allergic symptoms, as directed by your doctor.

Commonly tested with

Ranitidine has been studied in combination with antacids in clinical trials for ulcer healing and symptom relief. It has also been tested alongside other acid-reducing medications for comparative effectiveness in conditions like GERD and hypersecretory states.

In systemic mastocytosis, ranitidine may be part of a broader treatment plan that can include antihistamines (H1 blockers), corticosteroids, or other therapies to manage symptoms.