Ranitidine hydrochloride (HCl) USP, is a histamine H 2 -receptor antagonist. Chemically it is N-[2-[[[5-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-2-furanyl]methyl]thio]ethyl]-N’-methyl-2-nitro-1,1-ethenediamine, HCl. It has the following structural formula: The molecular formula is C 13 H 22 N 4 O 3 S•HCl, representing a molecular weight of 350.87. Ranitidine hydrochloride USP is a white to pale yellow, crystalline practically odorless powder, is sensitive to light and moisture. It is very soluble in water and sparingly soluble in alcohol. Each Ranitidine Hydrochloride capsule, for oral administration, contains 167.4 mg or 334.8 mg of ranitidine hydrochloride equivalent to 150 mg or 300 mg of ranitidine, respectively. In addition, each capsule contains the following inactive ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Starch Glycolate, Magnesium Stearate. The capsule shells contain Black Iron Oxide, Red Iron Oxide T3469, Yellow Iron Oxide T3506, Titanium Dioxide and Gelatin. The capsule shells are imprinted with edible ink.

What kind of drug is ranitidine?

The FDA classifies ranitidine as a histamine-2 receptor antagonist. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

Can you take ranitidine with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run ranitidine against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is ranitidine sold under?

We track 6 ranitidine-containing products in the U.S.: Zantac 150, Zantac 300, Ranitidine Hydrochloride, Zantac, Zantac 25 and Zantac 75. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does ranitidine come in?

Across the brands we track, ranitidine is currently marketed as tablet, capsule, injectable, syrup and tablet, effervescent, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic ranitidine?

Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic ranitidine product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Ranitidine: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Ranitidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist sold in the U.S. under 6 brand and generic names, for duodenal ulcer, peptic esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sourcesHow we research

Key facts

Drug class: Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist
Treats: Duodenal Ulcer, Peptic Esophagitis and Gastroesophageal Reflux
Available as: Tablet · Capsule · Injectable · Syrup · Tablet, effervescent
Sold as: 6 products — Zantac 150, Zantac 300 and Ranitidine Hydrochloride, and others
Prescription?: Prescription only
Generic available?: Yes

How ranitidine is dosed

From the FDA label for Ranitidine Hydrochloride (application ANDA079211). Other ranitidine products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

Active Duodenal Ulcer: The current recommended adult oral dosage of ranitidine for duodenal ulcer is 150 mg twice daily. An alternative dosage of 300 mg once daily after the evening meal or at bedtime can be used for patients in whom dosing convenience is important. The advantages of one treatment regimen compared to the other in a particular patient population have yet to be demonstrated (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY : Clinical Trials : Active Duodenal Ulcer ). Smaller doses have been shown to be equally effective in inhibiting gastric acid secretion in US studies, and several foreign trials have shown that 100 mg twice daily is as effective as the 150 mg dose. Antacid should be given as needed for relief of pain (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY : Pharmacokinetics ) . Maintenance of Healing Duodenal Ulcers The current recommended adult oral dosage is 150 mg at bedtime. Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome) The current recommended adult oral dosage is 150 mg twice a day. In some patients it may be necessary to administer ranitidine 150 mg doses more frequently. Dosages should be adjusted to individual patient needs, and should continue as long as clinically indicated. Dosages up to 6 g/day have been employed in patients with severe disease. Benign Gastric Ulcer The current recommended adult oral dosage is 150 mg twice a day. Maintenance of Healing…

Ranitidine side effects

The following have been reported as events in clinical trials or in the routine management of patients treated with ranitidine. The relationship to therapy with ranitidine has been unclear in many cases. Headache, sometimes severe, seems to be related to administration of ranitidine. Central Nervous System Rarely, malaise, dizziness, somnolence, insomnia, and vertigo. Rare cases of reversible mental confusion, agitation, depression, and hallucinations have been reported, predominantly in severely ill elderly patients. Rare cases of reversible blurred vision suggestive of a change in accommodation have been reported. Rare reports of reversible involuntary motor disturbances have been received. Cardiovascular As with other H 2 -blockers, rare reports of arrhythmias such as tachycardia, bradycardia, atrioventricular block, and premature ventricular beats. Gastrointestinal Constipation, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, abdominal discomfort/pain, and rare reports of pancreatitis. Hepatic There have been occasional reports of hepatocellular, cholestatic, or mixed hepatitis, with or without jaundice. In such circumstances, ranitidine should be immediately discontinued. These events are usually reversible, but in rare circumstances death has occurred. Rare cases of hepatic failure have also been reported. In normal volunteers, SGPT values were increased to at least twice the pretreatment…

Every ranitidine product we track (6)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

Ranitidine products
#	Drug	Rating	Type	Form	Generic?	Typical price
1	Zantac 150	70/100	Prescription	Tablet	—	—	View →
2	Zantac 300	70/100	Prescription	Capsule	—	—

What ranitidine pills look like

Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.

Ranitidine pill imprints
Imprint	Strength	Colour	Shape	Maker
GG;614	150 mg	brown	capsule	—
GG;615	300 mg	brown	capsule	—
CD;129	150 mg	brown	capsule	—
CD;130	300 mg	brown	capsule	—

Frequently asked questions

What is ranitidine?: Ranitidine hydrochloride (HCl) USP, is a histamine H 2 -receptor antagonist. Chemically it is N-[2-[[[5-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-2-furanyl]methyl]thio]ethyl]-N’-methyl-2-nitro-1,1-ethenediamine, HCl. It has the following structural formula: The molecular formula is C 13 H 22 N 4 O 3 S•HCl, representing a molecular weight of 350.87. Ranitidine hydrochloride USP is a white to pale yellow, crystalline practically odorless powder, is sensitive to light and moisture. It is very soluble in water and sparingly soluble in alcohol. Each Ranitidine Hydrochloride capsule, for oral administration, contains 167.4 mg or 334.8 mg of ranitidine hydrochloride equivalent to 150 mg or 300 mg of ranitidine, respectively. In addition, each capsule contains the following inactive ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Starch Glycolate, Magnesium Stearate. The capsule shells contain Black Iron Oxide, Red Iron Oxide T3469, Yellow Iron Oxide T3506, Titanium Dioxide and Gelatin. The capsule shells are imprinted with edible ink.
What kind of drug is ranitidine?: The FDA classifies ranitidine as a histamine-2 receptor antagonist. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
Can you take ranitidine with other medicines?: It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run ranitidine against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is ranitidine sold under?: We track 6 ranitidine-containing products in the U.S.: Zantac 150, Zantac 300, Ranitidine Hydrochloride, Zantac, Zantac 25 and Zantac 75. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does ranitidine come in?: Across the brands we track, ranitidine is currently marketed as tablet, capsule, injectable, syrup and tablet, effervescent, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.