ranitidine bismuth citrate Health Article

What are the possible side effects of ranitidine bismuth citrate?

Stop taking ranitidine bismuth citrate and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take ranitidine bismuth citrate and talk to your doctor if you experience

• changes in taste;

• headache or dizziness;

• diarrhea, nausea, or constipation; or

• tremor (shaking).

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect ranitidine bismuth citrate?

Before taking ranitidine bismuth citrate, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• Sedatives, sleeping pills, or tranquilizers such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) may cause dangerous sedation when taken with ranitidine bismuth citrate.

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin) may have increased effects, which could result in bleeding.

• Seizure medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and carbamazepine (Tegretol) may have dangerous side effects when taken with ranitidine bismuth citrate.

• Medications for heart disorders, such as procainamide (Procanbid, Procan SR, Pronestyl), propranolol (Inderal), and metoprolol (Lopressor), may have increased effects on your heart when you are taking ranitidine bismuth citrate.

• Oral diabetes drugs such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase), and tolbutamide (Tolinase) may have increased effects, and very low blood sugar levels may result.

• Cisapride (Propulsid), which is taken for stomach conditions, as well as antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and fluconazole (Diflucan), may increase side effects.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with ranitidine bismuth citrate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about ranitidine bismuth citrate written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Ranitidine bismuth citrate was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1998.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.