Ranitidine

Glaxo, before it has become GlaxoSmithKline, made an ambition to surpass the ability of cimetidine, an antihistamine gastric acid releasing-blocker. Cimetidine was a product of the then Smith, Kline and French. Glaxo’s ambition to pharmaceutically enhance the molecules of cimetidine through medical engineering has produced ranitidine. Ranitidine is a more potent drug for blocking the release of gastric acid in the stomach with a longer duration efficacy and has fewer interactions with other drug than the first antihistamine cimetidine. Upon its release in 1981, it has become a best-seller during 1988.

Ranitidine is marketed through its trade name Zantac. Recently released by the now GlaxoSmithKline for pharmaceutical distribution, Ranitidine is mass acquired in either 75 or 150 mg. Prescription is still needed though before taking the medicine, even its two formulations are available over-the-counter. This is to avoid ranitidine side effects. The more potent 300 mg ranitidine can be obtained through prescription only. Ranitidine tablet inside a sealed foil pack is available in different pharmacies worldwide.

Ranitidine is medically engineered to enhance its tolerability profile with other drugs or other substances. The interactions with other drugs or other substances such as supplements can bring greater risk if knowledge about this is not provided. If this happens, the user might experience something which could be undesirable and may note his adversity to the drug impelling him to stop from taking it after that incident. It is important to discuss and inquire the doctor the possible drugs or substances that can interfere to the action of the drug.

The following are the possible substances that could be adversaries during the medication of Ranitidine:

• Alcoholic beverages – such as beer and wine or beverages that have proofs on their label
  
• Alendronate – a drug for bone diseases
  
• Antacid – a drug for neutralizing stomach acid
  
• Cefditoren – treats mild-to-moderate infections cause by bacteria in the skin, respiratory tract and throat such as tonsillitis and pneumonia.
  
• Cefpodoxime - an antibiotic for treating urinary tract infection, sinus infections, bronchitis
  
• Cefuroxime – an antibacterial drug
  
• Delavirdine – an antiviral drug used for preventing the multiplication of HIV in the body
  
• Enoxacin – an antibiotic for treating infections such as gonorrhea and UTI
  
• Glipizide- for treating and controlling the effects of type 2 diabetes
  
• Glyburide - is medicated to a type 2 diabetic patient who has uncontrollable blood glucose levels.
  
• Itraconazole – is applied for treating fungal infections on the skin, in the central nervous system and in the lungs.
  
• Metformin – for type-2 diabetes medicated for lowering blood sugar level in the body.
  
• Nifedipine – is a drug medicated to patients with angina. Other uses of the drug can be determined through inquiry to a doctor.
  
• Propantheline – is a treatment for ulcers and other conditions indicated by the doctor.
  
• Theophylline – is a drug medicated for prevention the blockage of airway to asthmatic. It is also medicated for treating symptoms of other lung diseases.
  
• Triazolam – a medication to help solve insomnia.
  
• Warfarin is a drug for preventing the onset of clotting of blood in the vein that would risk the life of an individual.
  
• Iron supplements – is indicated for helping in the production of red blood cells. It is a mineral that helps in treating anemia and iron-deficiency to children and adults.
  

These drugs, substances and supplement have the possibility to interfere in the mechanism of ranitidine. Medications on these should halt first before clear information on the safety and risk of these substances is obtained from a medically-qualified person. The medication of Ranitidine should under the close watch of the medical practitioner. Adverse effects of Ranitidine could be severe and may jeopardize the life of the user.