Ranitidine, or ranitidine hydrochloride, is a medicine that inhibits the production of acid in the stomach and is indicated for the treatment of various problems caused by the presence of excess acid, such as stomach or intestinal ulcers, erosive esophagitis, or gastroesophageal reflux. for example.
This medicine was definitively removed from the market by ANVISA in 2020, due to the detection of a potentially carcinogenic substance in its composition, called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which originates from the degradation of the ranitidine molecule itself.
There is still no forecast for ranitidine to be made available for sale again. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor so that the treatment can be re-evaluated and another medicine that can replace ranitidine can be indicated, if necessary.
What is it for
Ranitidine works by reducing the production of acid in the stomach, and is normally indicated for the treatment or prevention of some conditions, such as:
- Stomach or intestine ulcers;
- Gastroesophageal reflux;
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome;
- Excess gastric acidity;
- Erosive esophagitis;
- Asia;
- Stress ulcer;
- Mendelson syndrome.
Ranitidine can also be used to prevent damage to the lining of the stomach and the beginning of the intestine caused by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Furthermore, when associated with antibiotics, ranitidine may be indicated to eradicate H. pylori bacteria and stomach ulcers. Learn how to identify the symptoms of stomach ulcers.
How to drink
The dose of ranitidine should always be indicated by a general practitioner or gastroenterologist, according to the condition being treated, however, the general guidelines are:
- Adults: the normally recommended dose is 150 to 300 mg, 2 to 3 times a day, for the time recommended by the doctor, which can be taken in the form of tablets or syrup;
- Children from 1 month: the normally recommended dose is 2 to 4 mg per kg of body weight, once or twice a day, as advised by the pediatrician, and a dose of 300 mg per day should not be exceeded. Typically, in children, ranitidine is administered in the form of a syrup.
If you forget a dose, you should take the medicine as soon as possible and take the following doses at the right time, and you should never take a double dose to make up for the forgotten dose.
Ranitidine can also be used in injection form, which must be administered by a healthcare professional, as per medical advice.
Possible side effects
Ranitidine is a medicine that is generally well tolerated, however, although they are rare, side effects such as wheezing, pain or tightness in the chest, swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, mouth or tongue, fever, rashes or cracks in the skin may occur. and feeling of weakness, especially when the person stands.
If these side effects appear, treatment should be stopped and seek medical attention or the nearest emergency room immediately, as it may be a sign of a serious allergic or anaphylactic reaction. Know how to identify all the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Who shouldn’t take
Ranitidine should not be used by people who are allergic to any of the components in the formula.
Furthermore, it is also contraindicated for pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.
Bibliography
- ANVISA. Definitive ban on the use of ranitidine hydrochloride – RESOLUTION-RE No. 3,259, OF AUGUST 26, 2020. 2020. Available at: <https://www.in.gov.br/en/web/dou/-/resolucao-re-n-3.259-de-26-de-agosto-de-2020-274384354?utm_campaign= inform_proibicao_definitiva_de_uso_de_cloridrato_de_ranitidina&utm_medium=email&utm_source=RD+Station>. Accessed on Feb 28, 2022
- EUROFARMA LABORATORIOS SA Ranitidine. 2018. Available at: <https://eurofarma.com.br/produtos/bulas/patient/bula-ranitidina-cloridrato-de.pdf>. Accessed on Feb 28, 2022
