Contraindications
In general, in case of known hypersensitivity reactions to the active substance Ranitidine, it should not be taken. A physician should also always be consulted in the case of previous allergic reactions to active substances of the group of histamine H2-receptor blockers. In the presence of the metabolic disorder of the acute porphyria should be refrained from taking ranitidine, because ranitidine can trigger an acute attack of porphyria.
If the following constellations are present, a doctor should be informed before taking Ranitidine: Kidney dysfunction, since Ranitidine is excreted up to 80% via the kidneys and the intake of the active substance is associated with significantly higher concentrations of the active substance in the body when kidney dysfunction occurs at the same time. In case of unintentional weight loss associated with digestive disorders, the weight loss should be clarified before taking the drug. In case of a positive family history of stomach cancer and ulcers in the area of the duodenum as well as the stomach, combined with a higher age and complaints in the upper abdomen, a clarification of malignant diseases should always precede the intake of Ranitidine, as Ranitidine can mask these symptoms and thus could greatly delay the diagnosis of these diseases.
Taking Ranitidine and other medications at the same time may result in an increased effect of other medications. For example, Ranitidine may increase the effect of some sedatives or sleeping pills and the effect of the blood sugar-lowering drug Glipizide acute. By breaking down ranitidine in the liver and inhibiting an enzyme that is important for the breakdown of alcohol, the effect of alcohol while taking ranitidine is increased.The effect of some medications for fungal infections can be weakened by taking Ranitidine.
There are no known side effects that would interfere with taking Ranitidine during pregnancy. However, the treating physician should always be consulted before Ranitidine is taken during pregnancy. During the breastfeeding period, however, Ranitidine should not be taken because Ranitidine passes into breast milk and therefore damage to the infant cannot be ruled out. Due to insufficient study experience, the use of Ranitidine in children under 16 years of age is not recommended for the treatment of heartburn. The general treatment of children with the active substance Ranitidine should always be discussed with the treating physician.
