Medication Information for: Ranitidine oral liquid (Zantac)

(ran-it-i-deen)

Why? Ranitidine decreases the amount of acid in the stomach. Too much acid makes the baby have pain (heartburn) and that can cause feeding problems or breathing problems. Your doctor will decide when you should stop giving this medicine.

How? Ranitidine liquid does not need to be kept in the refrigerator, although some babies like it better cold. It does not need to be shaken. The dose of ranitidine may be mixed with a small amount of milk to prevent choking.

Give ranitidine as ordered. Ranitidine is usually given three or four times a day. If you miss a dose, do not try to make up for it by giving more. Your baby's dose is:

__________mg in__________ml, ____________times a day at ___________o'clock, __________o'clock,_________o'clock and ____________o'clock.

Any problems? Most side effects of ranitidine would be seen in the hospital before your baby goes home. Report to your pediatrician constipation, diarrhea, or irritability. Call the doctor if the baby vomits two regularly scheduled doses.

ALWAYS KEEP ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

Never give medications in the dark.

Check your supply before vacations, holidays and other times when you may not be able to obtain more.

Kelly Burch, PharmD
November, 1999
(provided by St. John's Mercy Medical Center)
Reviewed and revised August 2004