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| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
| Contents of this page: | |
Some commonly used brand names are:
In Canada--
* Not commercially available in the U.S.
Ranitidine bismuth citrate (ra-NI-ti-deen BIS-muth SI-trayt) is used to treat active duodenal ulcers associated with infection caused by the H. pylori organism. It is used in combination with an antibiotic called clarithromycin. Ranitidine bismuth citrate should not be taken alone for the treatment of ulcers.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For ranitidine bismuth citrate, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to ranitidine bismuth citrate. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy--Studies have not been done in pregnant women. A few women who became pregnant during studies of ranitidine bismuth citrate delivered normal infants; one woman with a history of problems during pregnancy delivered an infant with a birth defect. However, it is not known if this defect was caused by the medicine. Studies in pregnant animals have not shown that ranitidine bismuth citrate causes harmful effects in the offspring. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding--It is not known whether ranitidine bismuth citrate passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children--Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of ranitidine bismuth citrate in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults--In studies done to date that have included older adults, ranitidine bismuth citrate has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking ranitidine bismuth citrate, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.
Other medical problems--The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of ranitidine bismuth citrate. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Take this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better. It is important to see your doctor regularly to determine if the combination of ranitidine bismuth citrate and clarithromycin is working properly to cure the infection causing your ulcer.
Dosing--The dose of ranitidine bismuth citrate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of ranitidine bismuth citrate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Missed dose--If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage--To store this medicine:
This medicine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position . These symptoms are more likely to occur when you begin taking this medicine. Getting up slowly may help. If you should have this problem, check with your doctor.
The results of dipstick tests for protein in the urine may be affected by this medicine. While you are taking ranitidine bismuth citrate, testing with sulfosalicylic acid is recommended.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Diarrhea; headache
Less common
Dizziness; itching; nausea; trouble in sleeping; vomiting
Rare
Constipation; fast heartbeat; skin rash; stomach pain; sudden faintness or weakness; swelling of face; troubled breathing or wheezing
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
More common
Change in sense of taste
Less common
Darkening of tongue and/or stools; hair loss or thinning of hair
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Developed: 03/19/98
Revised: 6/12/2000
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