Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking ranitidine as follows:
- Prolonged ranitidine use can result in compromised absorption of vitamin B12, vitamin C, and iron in the stomach. This can result in anemia with pale skin and mucus membranes with exacerbation of shortness of breath. Periodical labs and administration of supplements can help early diagnosis and resolve symptoms of anemia. Space out the supplement administration with ranitidine by atleast 2 hours, to avoid the risk of poor supplement absorption with ranitidine.
- Prolonged ranitidine use can result in compromised absorption of calcium, leading to reduced bone mineralization and bone density, thus increasing the risk for pathological fractures of skeleton and osteoporosis. The risk for osteoporosis is very high in senior citizens. Report any falls and accidents to the physician immediately. Any unresolving skeletal pain should be reported, to be evaluated for a possible pathological fracture. Periodical labs and bone scans with administration of calcium supplements, can help early diagnosis of osteoporosis and prevent bone demineralization and fractures. Space out the supplement administration with ranitidine by atleast 2 hours, to avoid the risk of poor supplement absorption with ranitidine.
- Observe compliance with recommendations for GERD diet. Ranitidine intake with dietary recommendation compliance can help with preventing exacerbation of reflux esophagitis and GERD. Smokers observing compliance with recommendation for smoking cessation and obese or overweight individuals observing compliance with recommendation for weight loss can contribute significantly to preventing exacerbation of GERD episodes.
