Drug

Name

Classificati
on

Dosage
& Route

Mechanism
of Action

Brand
Name

Pharmacol
ogic Class

Availabl
e forms:

Pharmacolo
gic Effect:

Zantac

Histamine
H2
Antagonist

Tablet
75, 150,
300 mg

Inhibits the
action of
histamine at
the H2
receptor site
located
primarily in
gastric
parietal cells,
resulting in
inhibition of
gastric acid
secretion.

Injection
Generic
Name

Therapeuti
c Class

Ranitidine
Hydrochlori
de

Anti Ulcer
Agent

1, 25
mg/mL
Route
PO, IV

Pregnancy
Category
Risk
B

Therapeutic
Effect:

Side Effects
Adverse Effects
Cardiovascular
AV block; bradycardia; cardiac
arrhythmias; premature
ventricular beats.
CNS
Agitation; confusion; depression;
dizziness; fatigue; hallucinations;
headache; insomnia; malaise;
motor disturbances; somnolence;
vertigo.
Dermatologic
Alopecia; erythema multiforme;
rash; vasculitis.
EENT
Blurred vision.
GI
Abdominal discomfort;
constipation; diarrhea; nausea;
pancreatitis; vomiting.
Hematologic
Acquired immune hemolytic
anemia; agranulocytosis;
autoimmune hemolytic or aplastic
anemia; granulocytopenia;
leukopenia; pancytopenia;
thrombocytopenia.
Hepatic

Indication

Contrain
dication

Nursing Responsibilities

Active
duodenal
ulcer
Maintenanc
e therapy,
duodenal
ulcer
Active
gastric
ulcer
Pathologic
hypersecre
tory
syndrome
GERD,
esophagitis
, benign
gastric
ulcer
Treatment
of
heartburn,
acid
indigestion

Hypersens
itivity,
Crosssensitivity
may
occur;
some oral
liquids
contain
alcohol
and should
be
avoided in
patients
with
known
intoleranc
e.

Before:
1. Assess for history of allergy to
ranitidine, impaired renal or
hepatic function, lactation,
pregnancy.
2. Check for liver function
evaluation
3. Check vital signs
4. Assess patient for epigastric or
abdominal pain and frank or occult
blood in the stool, emesis, or
gastric aspirate.
5. Nurse should know that it may
cause false-positive results for
urine protein; test with
sulfosalicylic acid

Patients
Indication

Use
Cautiousl
y in:
1. Renal
impairmen
t
2.
Geriatric
patients
(more
susceptibl
e to
adverse
CNS

During:
1. Give antacids 1 hour before or
1 hour after this drug
2. Administer PO form without
regard to meals.
3. Administer with food if GI upset
occurs.
4. Give by direct IV after diluting
50 mg/20 mL of 0.9% D5W, NaCl
over 5 mins or more
5. Follow the rights in drug
administration
After:
1. Inform patient that it may cause
drowsiness or dizziness.
2. Inform patient that increased

Cholestatic or hepatocellular
effects.
Musculoskeletal
Arthralgias; myalgias.
Miscellaneous
Anaphylaxis; angioneurotic
edema; hypersensitivity reactions

reactions)
3.
Pregnancy
or
Lactation

fluid and fiber intake may minimize

constipation.
3. Advise patient to report onset of
black, tarry stools; fever, sore
throat; diarrhea; dizziness; rash;
confusion; or hallucinations to
health car professional promptly.
4. Inform patient that medication
may temporarily cause stools and
tongue to appear gray black.
5. Inform patient that antacids
may be taken concurrently with
ranitidine.