Ranitidine bismuth citrate (patient information)

IMPORTANT WARNING:
Ranitidine bismuth is no longer available in the U.S. If you are currently taking ranitidine bismuth, you should call your doctor to discuss switching to another treatment.

Why is this medication prescribed
Ranitidine bismuth is used to treat intestinal ulcers. It helps fight infection by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which often occurs with ulcers. Treating this infection helps keep ulcers from coming back. It is used in combination with other medicines.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used
Ranitidine bismuth comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice a day with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ranitidine bismuth exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Ranitidine bismuth must be used for at least 4 weeks to treat your ulcer completely. Continue to take ranitidine bismuth even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ranitidine bismuth without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow
Before taking ranitidine bismuth:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ranitidine (Zantac) or any other drugs.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin, antacids, and vitamins.
 * tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney, blood, or liver disease.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking ranitidine bismuth, call your doctor.
 * tell your doctor if you have ever taken this medicine or any other medicine to treat ulcers. If your ulcer symptoms do not get better in the first few days, tell your doctor. You may need to take a different medicine.

What should I do if I forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Mild side effects
''Ranitidine bismuth may cause side effects. Darkening of the tongue and stool is temporary and harmless. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:''


 * headache
 * dizziness
 * change in sense of taste
 * constipation
 * stomach pain

Severe side effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:


 * bloody, black, or tarry stools
 * fever
 * sore throat
 * mental confusion
 * yellowing of the skin or eyes

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to ranitidine bismuth.

Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

 * Tritec®
 * Zantac®
 * Zantac® 75
 * Zantac® EFFERdose®
 * Zantac® Premixed
 * Zantac® Syrup