Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking ranitidine as follows:
- Do not discontinue taking the medication without your physician’s consult, even if you failed to see the desired result immediately after taking the medication.
- Avoid drinking alcohol with ranitidine. Alcohol carries the potential to damage the inner lining (mucosa) of the digestive tract and thus worsen the symptoms of GERD and erosive gastritis, such as, burning sensation in the stomach and throat, and abdominal pain. Alcohol use can also inhibit the healing and worsen symptoms of peptic ulcers.
- A lot of nonprescription products and prescription medications can influence the metabolism and consequently, the activity of ranitidine in the body. This can contribute significantly to risk for compromised therapeutic benefits and increased toxic side-effects of ranitidine. So, be sure to mention your physician and pharmacist regarding your history with ranitidine and check with them regarding safety, in the event you are being started on any new medications.
- Take the medication dose at the same time, every day, an hour before food, to avoid forgetting the intake of medication. Taking ranitidine with a small snack, can help avoid unpleasant gastrointestinal side-effects, such as, nausea and vomiting.
