Rantac 150 Tablet is used to:

• Treat duodenal ulcer and benign gastric ulcer: This includes ulcers linked to anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs).

• Prevent ulcers caused by NSAIDs: It may be prescribed for people with a history of peptic ulcer who need to take NSAIDs.

• Treat acid reflux: It is used for reflux oesophagitis, for long-term management of healed oesophagitis and for relief of heartburn in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

• Treat other acid-related conditions: These include ulcers after surgery, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and other conditions where reducing stomach acid is beneficial.

Ranitidine blocks histamine-2 receptors on the acid-producing cells of the stomach lining. This reduces both the volume of stomach acid and its acid and pepsin content. A single 150 mg dose suppresses stomach acid for about 12 hours. Lower acid helps ulcers heal and relieves heartburn and other reflux symptoms.

Tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements and herbal products you take before starting Rantac.

• Warfarin and similar blood thinners: Changes in blood clotting time have been reported, so your doctor may monitor you closely.

• Ketoconazole, atazanavir, delavirdine and gefitinib: Ranitidine changes stomach acidity, which can reduce how well these medicines are absorbed.

• Triazolam and midazolam: Their absorption may increase. Your doctor may adjust the dose.

• Glipizide (a diabetes medicine): Its levels can change, so your doctor may monitor your blood sugar.

• Procainamide: High doses of ranitidine may increase its level in the blood.

• NSAID painkillers: Your doctor will monitor you regularly if you take them with Rantac, especially if you are older or have had an ulcer.

• Amoxicillin and metronidazole: Taking them with ranitidine has been linked with antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.

• Do not store Rantac 150mg Tablet above 30°C.

• Keep it in the original pack, away from heat and moisture. Do not leave it in a hot place such as a car or near a stove.

• Do not use the tablets after the expiry date.

• Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.

• Follow any additional storage instructions printed on the product packaging.

• Use Rantac 150mg Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

• The usual adult dose for ulcers is 150 mg twice a day, in the morning and evening, or 300 mg at night. Doses do not need to be timed with meals, and your doctor may advise a time that suits your symptoms. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Most ulcers heal within 4 weeks, and some need a further 4 weeks of treatment. For GERD symptoms, a short course of about 2 weeks may be advised. People with severe kidney problems need a lower dose, and doses in children are based on body weight.

• Do not take Rantac for longer than your doctor advises. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together.

Common side effects of Rantac 150 Tablet may include:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Diarrhoea

• Abdominal pain

• Skin rash

Some of these effects improve as treatment continues.

Serious side effects

Seek medical attention if you develop:

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, rash, fever or difficulty breathing, which can be signs of a severe allergic reaction.

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes with dark urine, which can be a sign of hepatitis.

• Confusion, depression or hallucinations, which are more likely in older or severely ill people.

• Slow or irregular heartbeat.

• Unusual bruising, bleeding or frequent infections, which can be signs of blood count changes.

• Severe stomach pain, which can be a sign of pancreatitis.

• Black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting or unexplained weight loss. Ranitidine can hide symptoms of a serious stomach problem, so these need medical review.

• Use Rantac exactly as prescribed and do not take it for longer than advised without review.

• Ask your doctor whether another acid-reducing medicine may suit you, in view of the regulatory concerns about NDMA in ranitidine. Do not stop prescribed ranitidine without medical advice.

• Check the expiry date, store the tablets below 30°C and keep them away from heat.

• Stop smoking if you smoke, because smoking is linked with more ulcer relapses.

• Avoid heavy, spicy or oily meals and late-night eating if they trigger heartburn.

• Tell your doctor if you take NSAID painkillers, warfarin or other regular medicines.

• Tell your doctor if you have ever had acute porphyria, because ranitidine should be avoided in this condition.

• See your doctor if symptoms return, do not improve or come with weight loss or difficulty swallowing.