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Drug

Ranitidine

Pronounced

"ran-IT-uh-deen"

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products need stomach acid so that the body can absorb them properly. Ranitidine decreases stomach acid, so it may change how well these products work. Some affected products include atazanavir, dasatinib, certain azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), levoketoconazole, pazopanib, sparsentan, among others.

Do not use this medication with other products that contain ranitidine or other H2 blockers (cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine).

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as urine protein tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

  • Negative Interactions

    1
    • Ranitidine

      Magnesium

      Reduces Effectiveness

      This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.

      In healthy people, a magnesium hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide antacid, taken with nizatidine, decreased nizatidine absorption by 12%. People can avoid this interaction by taking nizatidine two hours before or after any aluminum/magnesium-containing antacids. Some magnesium supplements such as magnesium hydroxide are also antacids.

      Magnesium
      Ranitidine
      ×
      1. Bachmann KA, Sullivan TJ, Jauregui L, et al. Drug interactions of H2-receptor antagonists. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl 1994;206:14-9.
  • Supportive Interactions

    5
    • Ranitidine

      Beta-Carotene

      Replenish Depleted Nutrients

      This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.

      Omeprazole, a drug closely related to lansoprazole, taken for seven days led to a near-total loss of stomach acid in healthy people and interfered with the absorption of a single administration of 120 mg of beta-carotene. It is unknown whether repeated administration of beta-carotene would overcome this problem or if absorption of carotenoids from food would be impaired. Persons taking omeprazole and related acid-blocking drugs for long periods may want to have carotenoid blood levels checked, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and consider supplementing with carotenoids.

      Beta-Carotene
      Ranitidine
      ×
      1. Tang G, Serfaty-Lacronsniere C, Camilo ME, Russell RM. Gastric acidity influences the blood response to a beta-carotene dose in humans. Am J Clin Nutr 1996;64:622-6.
    • Ranitidine

      Copper

      Replenish Depleted Nutrients

      This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.

      There is some evidence that other vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid and copper, require the presence of stomach acid for optimal absorption. Long-term use of H-2 blockers may therefore promote a deficiency of these nutrients. Individuals requiring long-term use of H-2 blockers may therefore benefit from a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement.

      Copper
      Ranitidine
      ×
      1. Russell RM, Krasinski SD, Samloff IM. Correction of impaired folic acid (Pte Glu) absorption by orally administered HCl in subjects with gastric atrophy. Am J Clin Nutr 1984;39:656.
      2. Tompsett SL. Factors influencing the absorption of iron and copper from the alimentary tract. Biochem J 1940;34:961-9.
    • Ranitidine

      Folic Acid

      Replenish Depleted Nutrients

      Folic acid is needed by the body to utilize vitamin B12. Antacids, including ranitidine, inhibit folic acid absorption. People taking antacids are advised to supplement with folic acid.

      Folic Acid
      Ranitidine
      ×
      1. Russell RM, Golner BB, Krasinski SD, et al. Effect of antacid and H2 receptor antagonists on the intestinal absorption of folic acid. J Lab Clin Med 1988;112:458-63.
    • Ranitidine

      Iron

      Replenish Depleted Nutrients

      This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.

      Stomach acid may facilitate iron absorption. H-2 blocker drugs reduce stomach acid and are associated with decreased dietary iron absorption. People with ulcers may also be iron deficient due to blood loss and benefit from iron supplementation. Iron levels in the blood can be checked with lab tests.

      Iron
      Ranitidine
      ×
      1. Aymard JP, Aymard B, Netter P, et al. Haematological adverse effects of histamine H2-receptor antagonists.Med Toxicol Adverse Drug Exp 1988;3:430-48.
    • Ranitidine

      Vitamin B12

      Replenish Depleted Nutrients

      Stomach acid is needed to release vitamin B12 from food so it can be absorbed by the body. H-2 blocker drugs reduce stomach acid and are associated with decreased dietary vitamin B12 absorption. The vitamin B12 found in supplements is available to the body without the need for stomach acid. Lab tests can determine vitamin B12 levels.

      Vitamin B12
      Ranitidine
      ×
      1. Aymard JP, Aymard B, Netter P, et al. Haematological adverse effects of histamine H2-receptor antagonists.Med Toxicol Adverse Drug Exp 1988;3:430-48.

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