Ranitidine
Also known as: Zantac, Zantac 75, Zantac EFFERdose
**Ranitidine** is a medication used to reduce stomach acid and help food move through the digestive tract more effectively. * **Administration:** Give this medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not skip doses, as stomach acid levels can rebound and symptoms may return. * **Timing:** It can be given with or without food. If your pet is also taking antacids, give them at least 2 hours apart from ranitidine. * **Side Effects:** Ranitidine is generally very safe and well-tolerated. Side effects are rare but can include mild stomach upset. * **Storage:** Keep tablets in a tightly sealed container at room temperature, away from direct light. > **Note:** Always consult your veterinarian before giving any new medications or supplements, though ranitidine has fewer drug interactions than older antacids like cimetidine.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- For ulcer disease/esophagitis
- For ulcer disease/esophagitis
- For ulcer disease/esophagitis
- As a prokinetic agent to stimulate colonic motility
- As a prokinetic agent to stimulate colonic motility
- All uses
- All uses
- For Helicobacter mustelae
- Foals
- Foals
- Adults
- As a prokinetic in rabbits
- For suspected gastric ulceration in rabbits
- For esophagitis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting (associated with rapid IV boluses in small animals)
- Pain at the injection site (IM administration)
- Mental confusion (rare, documented in humans)
- Headache (rare, documented in humans)
- Agranulocytosis (rare)
- Transient cardiac arrhythmias (if given too rapidly IV)
- Cardiac arrhythmias (rare, typically with rapid IV)
- Hypotension (rare, typically with rapid IV)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to ranitidine
- No specific contraindications available in the monograph
- Use cautiously and consider reduced dosages in patients with **diminished renal function** or **hepatic insufficiency**, as the drug may accumulate. **Geriatric patients** may be more susceptible to adverse effects. High-dose, chronic IV therapy (longer than 5 days) has caused increased serum ALT levels in humans; monitoring liver enzymes is recommended in these scenarios. Use with caution in nursing veterinary patients, as ranitidine is excreted in breast milk (milk:plasma ratio of 5:1 to 12:1).
Drug interactions
- Acetaminophen: Ranitidine (dose-dependent) may inhibit acetaminophen metabolism.
- Antacids: High doses may decrease the absorption of ranitidine; administer at least 2 hours apart.
- Ketoconazole: Absorption of ketoconazole may be reduced secondary to increased gastric pH.
- Itraconazole: Absorption of itraconazole may be reduced secondary to increased gastric pH.
- Metoprolol: Ranitidine may increase metoprolol half-life and peak serum levels.
- Nifedipine: Ranitidine may increase nifedipine AUC by 30%.
- Propantheline: Delays the absorption but increases the peak serum level of ranitidine; relative bioavailability may be increased by 23%.
- Vitamin B-12: Long-term ranitidine use may reduce oral absorption of Vitamin B-12.
- Sucralfate: May affect absorption; advisable to administer sucralfate 2 hours before H2 blockers
- Digoxin: Ranitidine may reduce absorption or effect; stagger oral doses by 2 hours
- Metoclopramide: Ranitidine may reduce absorption or effect; stagger oral doses by 2 hours
Frequently asked questions
What is Ranitidine used for in pets?
**Ranitidine** is a medication used to reduce stomach acid and help food move through the digestive tract more effectively. * **Administration:** Give this medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not skip doses, as stomach acid levels can rebound and symptoms may return. * **Timing:** It can be given with or without food. If your pet is also taking antacids, give them at least 2 hours apart from ranitidine. * **Side Effects:** Ranitidine is generally very safe and well-tolerated. Side effects are rare but can include mild stomach upset. * **Storage:** Keep tablets in a tightly sealed container at room temperature, away from direct light. > **Note:** Always consult your veterinarian before giving any new medications or supplements, though ranitidine has fewer drug interactions than older antacids like cimetidine.
Is Ranitidine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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