Generic name: Ranitidine Syrup [ ra-NI-ti-deen ]
Brand name: Zantac
Drug class: H2 antagonists

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 4, 2023.

Uses of Ranitidine Syrup:

• It is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; acid reflux).
• It is used to treat or prevent GI (gastrointestinal) ulcers.
• It is used to treat heartburn and sour stomach.
• It is used to treat syndromes caused by lots of stomach acid.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Ranitidine Syrup?

• If you are allergic to ranitidine syrup; any part of ranitidine syrup; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have ever had porphyria.
• If you have any of these health problems: Black or bloody stools; heartburn with light-headedness, sweating, or dizziness; chest pain; shoulder pain with shortness of breath; pain that spreads to the arms, neck, or shoulders; light-headedness; sweating a lot; throwing up blood; or trouble or pain swallowing food.
• If you are using another drug like this one. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with ranitidine syrup.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take ranitidine syrup with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Related/similar drugs

omeprazole, famotidine, pantoprazole, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, clindamycin, ceftriaxone

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Ranitidine Syrup?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take ranitidine syrup. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take ranitidine syrup.
• This medicine prevents many other drugs from getting into the body. If you take other drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if you need to take them at some other time than ranitidine syrup.
• Liver problems have happened with ranitidine syrup. Most of the time, liver problems went back to normal after ranitidine syrup was stopped. Rarely, liver problems have led to death. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
• If you are 65 or older, use ranitidine syrup with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Ranitidine Syrup) best taken?

Use ranitidine syrup as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Take at bedtime if you are taking once a day.
• To prevent heartburn take ranitidine syrup 30 minutes before eating foods or drinking liquids that cause heartburn.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with ranitidine syrup. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure ranitidine syrup.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.

What are some other side effects of Ranitidine Syrup?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Headache.
• Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, or throwing up.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Ranitidine Syrup?

• Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Protect from heat.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about ranitidine syrup, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer