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| Working and Treatment of
Ranitidine – Zantac |
Histamine naturally activates the stomach for the production of
certain naturally occurring chemicals whose primary purpose is the
production of various acids; Ranitidine - Zantac belongs to a
category of medicine which is called H2 blocks. Ranitidine modus
operandi involves the suspension of the actions of histamine on the
cells present in the stomach thus relieving from the problems
created by excessive production of acids in the stomach. Ranitidine
- Zantac is also used to prevent upper abdominal bleeding and treat
gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition in which stomach acids
back up into the esophagus, causing chronic heartburn. As the tests
show Zantac reduces gastrointestinal irritation and helps heal
ulcers by blocking the effect caused by histamine, a chemical in the
body that stimulates acid secretions in the stomach.
This drug in tablet, capsule, and liquid form, all taken orally and
also in injectable liquid. The usual oral dosage is 150 mg or 10 ml,
which may be prescribed in a single dose at bedtime or divided into
two smaller doses usually taken immediately after meals. Tests
suggest that effectiveness is usually apparent after four to six
weeks. For the treatment of milder acid indigestion and stomach
upset, patients are given 75 mg. it is tested that ranitidine should
not be taken within three hours of drinking alcohol, smoking
cigarettes, or taking antacids. This drug has not been demonstrated
safe for pregnant or breast-feeding women and also for children
below the age of 16. It should be used with care by patients with
damaged kidneys or having an effected liver. Patients who take it
for ulcers of the stomach and small intestine should not stop
treatment abruptly. Ranitidine may interact adversely with
blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin, as well as with diazepam,
procainamide, theophylline, glipizide, itraconazole, midazolam,
triamterene, sucralfate,enoxacin, and ketoconazole.
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