Constipation Medicine : Stomach Disorders

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Aciphex

Axid

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Pepcid

Prevacid
Prevacid This page contains drug information on Prevacid. The information provided includes the following: what is Prevacid the possible side effects of Prevacid what happens if you miss a dose of Prevacid what happens if you overdose with Prevacid the most important information about Prevacid how to use Prevacid other drugs that may affect Prevacid what to avoid while using Prevacid Generic Name: lansoprazole (lan SAW pra zol) Brand Names: Prevacid, Prevacid I.V., Prevacid SoluTab What is the most important information I should know about lansoprazole? Do not stop taking lansoprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated. What is lansoprazole? Lansoprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Lansoprazole is used to treat and prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers, erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Lansoprazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lansoprazole? Before taking lansoprazole, tell your doctor if you ever have liver disease. You may not be able to take lansoprazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment. The 15 mg and 30 mg Prevacid SoluTabs contain 2.5 mg and 5.1 mg phenylalanine respectively per tablet. Individuals with phenylketonuria may need to monitor their intake of this additive. Lansoprazole is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take lansoprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether lansoprazole passes into breast milk. Do not take lansoprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. How should I take lansoprazole? Take lansoprazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Lansoprazole should be taken just before a meal. If you have difficulty swallowing, the lansoprazole capsules can be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a tablespoonful of applesauce. The pellets should be mixed with the applesauce and then swallowed immediately. The applesauce should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed without chewing. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed. The pellet/ applesauce mixture should not be stored for later use. The capsule contents can also be mixed with ENSURE pudding, cottage cheese, yogurt, strained pears, or apple, orange, tomato juice and consumed immediately. If the pellets are mixed with juice, after consuming the mixture the glass should be rinsed with an additional two ounces of juice and the contents swallowed immediately. The granules must not be chewed or crushed. It is important to take lansoprazole regularly to get the most benefit. Your doctor may want to schedule tests or appointments to monitor your treatment with lansoprazole. For patients who have a nasogastric tube in place, the Prevacid capsules can be opened and the intact granules mixed in 40 mL of apple juice and injected through the nasogastric tube into the stomach. After administering the granules, the nasogastric tube should be flushed with additional apple juice to clear the tube. Each packet of Prevacid for Delayed-Release Oral Suspension should be emptied into a container containing 2 tablespoons of water. Stir well and drink the mixture immediately. Do not crush or chew the granules. After drinking the mixture, add more water, stir, and drink immediately. Do not use other liquids or foods to mix the contents of the package. The Prevacid SoluTabs should be placed on the tongue and allowed to disintegrate with or without water until the particles can be swallowed. The Prevacid SoluTabs are not designed to be swallowed intact or chewed. The tablet typically disintegrates in less than one minute. Do not stop taking lansoprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated. Store lansoprazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat. What happens if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of an lansoprazole overdose are unknown. What should I avoid while taking lansoprazole? There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking lansoprazole, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. What are the possible side effects of lansoprazole? Serious side effects from lansoprazole are not common. Stop taking lansoprazole and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take lansoprazole and talk to your doctor if you experience diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal pain; dizziness; or headache. 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 lansoprazole? Sucralfate (Carafate), which is also used to treat stomach conditions, will decrease the amount of lansoprazole that is absorbed through the stomach. Lansoprazole should be taken at least 30 minutes before sucralfate to prevent an interaction. Some other medications such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen), digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps), and iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron) may have decreased effects because lansoprazole hinders their absorption from the stomach. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medications. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with lansoprazole. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Prilosec
Prilosec This page contains drug information on Prilosec. The information provided includes the following: what is Prilosec the possible side effects of Prilosec what happens if you miss a dose of Prilosec what happens if you overdose with Prilosec the most important information about Prilosec how to use Prilosec other drugs that may affect Prilosec what to avoid while using Prilosec Generic Name: omeprazole (oh MEH pra zol) Brand Names: Prilosec, Zegerid What is the most important information I should know about omeprazole? Over-the-counter omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) should be taken once every 24 hours for 14 days. Treatment may be repeated every 4 months if needed. Do not take more than one tablet per day or repeat treatment more often than every 4 months. If your condition does not improve or if it appears to worsen, contact your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking omeprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated. What is omeprazole? Omeprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Omeprazole is used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or heartburn), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid production. Omeprazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking omeprazole? Before taking omeprazole, tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of liver disease. You may not be able to take omeprazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring. Do not use over-the-counter omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) without first talking to your healthcare provider if you have trouble or pain with swallowing; vomiting blood; bloody or black stools; had heartburn for over 3 months; heartburn with sweating, lightheadedness, dizziness, chest, shoulder, neck, jaw, or arm pain; frequent chest pain; heartburn with wheezing; unexplained weight loss; nausea or vomiting; or stomach pain. Your doctor should evaluate your condition before taking over-the-counter omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) if you have any of the conditions listed above. Omeprazole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether omeprazole will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take omeprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether omeprazole passes into breast milk. Do not take omeprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. How should I take omeprazole? Take omeprazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Omeprazole is usually taken before a meal. Follow your doctor's instructions. Do not crush, chew, or break the over-the-counter omeprazole tablets (Prilosec OTC). Swallow them whole. Take Zegerid oral powder for reconstitution on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before a meal. Empty the contents of the packet into a small cup containing 2 tablespoons of water. Do not use other liquids or foods. Stir the contents and drink immediately. Refill the cup with water and drink. If you have difficulty swallowing, the prescription omeprazole capsules can be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a tablespoonful of applesauce. The pellets should be mixed with the applesauce and then swallowed immediately. The applesauce should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed without chewing. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed. The pellet/ applesauce mixture should not be stored for later use. Follow with a drink of water. Over-the-counter omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) should be taken once every 24 hours for 14 days. Treatment may be repeated every 4 months if needed. Do not take more than one tablet per day or repeat treatment more often than every 4 months. If your condition does not improve or if it appears to worsen, contact your healthcare provider. It is important to take omeprazole regularly to get the most benefit. Do not stop taking omeprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated. Your doctor may want to schedule tests or appointments to monitor your treatment with omeprazole. Store omeprazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat. What happens if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of an omeprazole overdose include drowsiness, seizures, shortness of breath, and decreased body temperature. What should I avoid while taking omeprazole? There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking omeprazole, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. What are the possible side effects of omeprazole? If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking omeprazole and seek emergency medical attention. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take omeprazole and talk to your doctor if you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or headache; diarrhea, increased gas, or bloating; or itching. 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 omeprazole? Before taking omeprazole, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines warfarin (Coumadin); digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); a medicine for insomnia or anxiety such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam (Restoril), clorazepate (Tranxene), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and others; cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); phenytoin (Dilantin); theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theochron, Theolair, Elixophyllin, Slo-Phyllin, others); itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral); ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen); or iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others). You may not be able to take omeprazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with omeprazole. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Protonix
Protonix This page contains drug information on Protonix. The information provided includes the following: what is Protonix the possible side effects of Protonix what happens if you miss a dose of Protonix what happens if you overdose with Protonix the most important information about Protonix how to use Protonix other drugs that may affect Protonix what to avoid while using Protonix Generic Name: pantoprazole (pan TOE prah zole) Brand Names: Protonix What is the most important information I should know about pantoprazole? Do not stop taking pantoprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body. What is pantoprazole? Pantoprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Pantoprazole is used to treat damage to the esophagus associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid production (e.g. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome). Pantoprazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pantoprazole? Talk to your doctor before taking pantoprazole if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take pantoprazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have liver disease. Pantoprazole is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take pantoprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether pantoprazole passes into breast milk. Do not take pantoprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. How should I take pantoprazole? Take pantoprazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Pantoprazole can be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body. It is important to take pantoprazole regularly to get the most benefit. Do not stop taking pantoprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated. Store pantoprazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat. What happens if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of a pantoprazole overdose are not known. What should I avoid while taking pantoprazole? There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking pantoprazole, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. What are the possible side effects of pantoprazole? Serious side effects from pantoprazole are rare. Stop taking pantoprazole and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to pantoprazole. Less serious side effects from pantoprazole are also uncommon. Continue to take pantoprazole and talk to your doctor if you experience flatulence (gas); upset stomach or diarrhea; insomnia; or a rash. 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 pantoprazole? Before taking pantoprazole, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: ketoconazole (Nizoral), ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen), or iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others). You may not be able to take pantoprazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with pantoprazole. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Tagamet
Tagamet This page contains drug information on Tagamet. The information provided includes the following: what is Tagamet the possible side effects of Tagamet what happens if you miss a dose of Tagamet what happens if you overdose with Tagamet the most important information about Tagamet how to use Tagamet other drugs that may affect Tagamet what to avoid while using Tagamet Generic Name: cimetidine (sy MET ih deen) Brand Names: Tagamet, Tagamet HB What is the most important information I should know about cimetidine? Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not use the medication for longer than recommended. Avoid taking antacids unless your doctor recommends them for heartburn pain. Follow your doctor's advice about the type of antacid to use and when to use it. You may not be able to take the antacid at the same time you take your dose of cimetidine. Taking cimetidine may make you more susceptible to virus that can cause pneumonia. This has occurred most often in elderly people and in those with diabetes, a weak immune system, or chronic lung disease. Before using cimetidine, tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions. There may be other drugs that can affect cimetidine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. What is cimetidine? Cimetidine is in a group of drugs called histamine receptor antagonists. Cimetidine works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach produces. Cimetidine is used to treat and prevent certain types of ulcer, and to treat conditions that cause the stomach to produce too much acid. Cimetidine is also used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and causes heartburn. Cimetidine may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide. What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cimetidine? Taking cimetidine may make you more susceptible to virus that causes pneumonia. You may be more likely to develop pneumonia if you have certain health problems. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have: diabetes; asthma or a chronic lung disorder; a weak immune system; bone marrow suppression; kidney disease; or liver disease. If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to use cimetidine or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment. Cimetidine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cimetidine passes into breast milk, and may be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take cimetidine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 16 years old unless your doctor has told you to. How should I take cimetidine? Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not use the medication for longer than recommended. Cimetidine is usually taken with meals or at bedtime. Take each dose with a full glass of water. To be sure you get the correct dose of the oral solution (liquid), measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not stop taking cimetidine without first talking to your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal. Your ulcer may take longer to heal if you smoke cigarettes. Store cimetidine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. What happens if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a cimetidine overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, extreme weakness, or fainting. What should I avoid while taking cimetidine? Avoid taking antacids unless your doctor recommends them for heartburn pain. Follow your doctor's advice about the type of antacid to use and when to use it. You may not be able to take the antacid at the same time you take your dose of cimetidine. What are the possible side effects of cimetidine? Stop using cimetidine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: cough, fever, chest congestion, trouble breathing; red or blistering skin rash; jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; feeling faint, light-headed, disoriented, or confused; urinating less than usual; irregular heartbeat; or a rash. Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Talk with your doctor if you have any of these side effects: feeling dizzy, depressed, or agitated; breast swelling or tenderness (in men); joint or muscle pain; mild skin rash; headache; or diarrhea, nausea, or constipation. 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 cimetidine? If you also take ketoconazole (Nizoral), take it at least 2 hours before you take cimetidine. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines: a blood thinner (warfarin or Coumadin); phenytoin (Dilantin); nifedipine (Adalat); metronidazole (Flagyl); propranolol (Inderal); chlordiazepoxide (Librium); lidocaine (Xylocaine); diazepam (Valium); theophylline (Theo-Dur, Slo-Bid, Bronkodyl); or depression or anxiety medication such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), nortripytyline (Aventyl). You may not be able to take cimetidine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. There may be other drugs not listed that can affect cimetidine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Zantac
Zantac This page contains drug information on Zantac. The information provided includes the following: what is Zantac the possible side effects of Zantac what happens if you miss a dose of Zantac what happens if you overdose with Zantac the most important information about Zantac how to use Zantac other drugs that may affect Zantac what to avoid while using Zantac Generic Name: ranitidine (ra NIH te deen) Brand Names: Zantac, Zantac 150, Zantac 300, Zantac 300 GELdose, Zantac 75, Zantac EFFERdose, Zantac GELdose What is the most important information I should know about ranitidine? Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, porphyria, diabetes, lung disease, or a weak immune system. If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to use ranitidine or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment. Ranitidine effervescent tablets must be dissolved in water before you take them. Your doctor may recommend an antacid to help relieve pain. Carefully follow your doctor's directions about the type of antacid to use, and when to use it. Do not stop taking ranitidine without asking your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal. What is ranitidine? Ranitidine is in a group of drugs called histamine-2 blockers. Ranitidine works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces. Ranitidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also treats conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid , such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Ranitidine also treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn. Ranitidine may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide. What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ranitidine? Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease; liver disease; or porphyria. If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to use ranitidine or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment. The effervescent tablet forms of ranitidine contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria, you should be aware of possible effects this may have on you. Ranitidine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Ranitidine passes into breast milk. Do not take ranitidine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using ranitidine. Using this medication may make you more susceptible to pneumonia if you have diabetes, lung disease, a weak immune system, or if you are elderly. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk. How should I take ranitidine? Take ranitidine exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not take ranitidine for longer than your doctor has prescribed. Take each ranitidine tablet with a full glass of water. The ranitidine effervescent tablet or granules must be dissolved in water before taking each dose. Tablets or granules should not be chewed, swallowed whole, or dissolved on the tongue. Place the Zantac 150 mg EFFERdose tablet in a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Allow the tablet to completely dissolve, then drink the entire mixture. Place the Zantac 25 mg EFFERdose tablet in at least 1 teaspoon of water. Allow the tablet to completely dissolve, then drink the entire mixture. If you are giving this medicine to a child, you can place this mixture in a medicine dropper or syringe before giving it to the child. Ranitidine granules should be mixed with 6 to 8 ounces of water before drinking. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of ranitidine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Ranitidine syrup may be given to an infant or child by medicine dropper or oral syringe. Do not stop taking ranitidine without asking your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal. Store ranitidine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. What happens if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a ranitidine overdose may include weakness, lack of coordination, severe nausea or vomiting, and a fast heartbeat. What should I avoid while taking ranitidine? There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking ranitidine, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. What are the possible side effects of ranitidine? Stop using ranitidine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; fast or uneven heartbeats; or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take ranitidine and talk to your doctor if you experience headache (may be severe); decreased sex drive, impotence; swollen or tender breasts (in men); nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or diarrhea or constipation. 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? Your doctor may recommend an antacid to help relieve pain. Carefully follow your doctor's directions about the type of antacid to use, and when to use it. Before taking ranitidine, tell your doctor if you are taking triazolam (Halcion). You may not be able to take ranitidine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special monitoring during treatment. There may be other drugs that can affect ranitidine, or be affected by ranitidine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.