Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine) belongs to the class of medications called H2-antagonists. Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine) is used to reduce the amount of acid secreted by the stomach in order to reduce ulcer and heartburn pain or to assist in healing of ulcers. It is used to treat stomach and duodenal (intestinal) ulcers, and prevent them from recurring. It is also used to treat GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) (GERD) and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.

Prescription Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine) is used to treat and prevent stomach ulcers caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); to prevent bleeding caused by stress ulcers for very ill people; to prevent a second episode of bleeding in the digestive tract caused by bleeding ulcers; and to prevent inhalation of stomach acid during surgery, for people who are considered at risk of this complication.

The over-the-counter form of Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine) is used to treat conditions where a reduction of stomach acid is needed, such as acid indigestion, heartburn, or sour or upset stomach. It can also be used to prevent these symptoms when they are associated with eating food or drinking beverages.

Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended adult dose of Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine) ranges from 150 mg daily to 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily depending on the condition being treated. Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine) may be taken with or without food.

When used over-the-counter to treat acid indigestion, heartburn, or sour or upset stomach, the usual dose for adults and children 16 years of age or older is 75 mg to 150 mg taken when symptoms appear. If symptoms persist for more than 1 hour or return after 1 hour, you may take a second dose of the same strength. To prevent symptoms brought on by consuming food or beverages, take the dose 30 to 60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that are expected to cause symptoms. The maximum dose is 300 mg every 24 hours. Do not take it in this manner for more than 2 weeks without seeking medical advice.

Injection: The injectable form of Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine) may be used in hospitals under specific circumstances when the patient is not able to swallow tablets. The usual dose of Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine) injection is 50 mg every 6 to 8 hours given intravenously (into a vein) or intramuscularly (into a muscle).

If you are using the oral liquid form of Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine), use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store the tablets at room temperature, protect them from light and moisture, and keep them out of the reach of children.

The injection may be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator between 2°C and 25°C. Protect it from light, and do not allow it to freeze. Keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• changed sense of taste
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• Dry Mouth
• headache
• muscle or joint pain
• nausea
• trouble sleeping
• vomiting
• weakness

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• blurred vision
• breast development (males)
• change of heartbeat (faster, slower, or irregular)
• confusion
• decreased sexual ability
• hair loss
• hallucination (hearing or seeing things that aren't there)
• increased frequency of infections
• signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
• signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• signs of kidney problems (e.g., increased urination at night, decreased urine production, blood in the urine)
• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• skin rash or Hives
• stomach pain

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of pancreatitis (e.g., abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, Fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen)
• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
• signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine).

Each round, white, biconvex, film-coated tablet, with "P" logo over "150" on one side and blank on the other side, contains 150 mg of Acid Reducer Maximum (Ranitidine). Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and talc.