Ranitidine refers to a medication that is put to use to reduce acid within the stomach so that GERD and stomach ulcers can be treated. This medication exists over-the-counter or by prescription (for higher doses) in generic form; the most famous brand name for it is zantac. A lot of ranitidine side effects exist, but the majority of them are never experienced by the people who take it.

Histamines are all-natural chemicals that stimulate stomach cells in order to bring about acid. Ranitidine is part of a medication class known as H2-blockers, which block histamine actions on stomach cells to reduce the production of stomach acid. Since ranitidine can reduce the overall amount of stomach acid, it is used to prevent and treat ulcers, GERD, and other conditions related to excessive secretion of acid.

Ranitidine is also helpful in promoting duodenal ulcer and stomach healing, as well as alleviating ulcer pain. It is even effective in preventing ulcer from recurring again when prescribed in a low dose for a long span of time. When it comes to doses that are higher than the ones used in treating ulcer, ranitidine has proven to be useful in the treatment of heartburn and the healing of ulcer and esophagus inflammation that might have come about due to acid reflux.

The most common ranitidine side effects usually happen in only two percent of its users. These are diarrhea or constipation, dizziness, nausea, tiredness and headache. People who take ranitidine might also go through abdominal pain, drowsiness, insomnia and decreased sexual drive.

Cardiovascular ranitidine side effects happen to be very rare and include irregular heartbeat and slow or rapid heartbeat. Several people end up having allergic reactions when taking ranitidine and might develop hives or rashes, difficulty breathing and wheezing, and throat or mouth swelling. Various other side effects that are more rare include depression, hallucinations and confusion. Liver problems could also come about along with dark urine and jaundice symptoms.

Before taking ranitidine, let your pharmacist or doctor know your entire medical history, most of all if you suffer from heartburn with dizziness, sweating or lightheadedness; jaw, chest or shoulder pain, most of all with difficulty breathing; pain that spreads to the shoulders, arms or neck; unexplainable weight loss; kidney or liver problems; porphyria; various stomach problems, like tumors;  any allergies, even those related to drugs.

You should know that smoking can bring about ulcers and prevent proper healing, so try to avoid smoking when taking ranitidine. Alcohol should also be avoided since it can irritate the actual stomach and bring about bleeding. Always ask your doctor if you have questions like this. And, if you happen to be pregnant, let your doctor know that, too. Also, since ranitidine can make it into breast milk, you should avoid it since the ranitidine side effects on nursing children are still unknown to this day.

Finally, although the majority of ranitidine side effects that exist are never experienced by the people who take it, it would be smart to know what they are.