Ranitidine is an acid reducer that treats ulcers in the stomach and intestines. This medication is also used to treat inflammation of the stomach and esophagus. Ranitidine reduces stomach acid allowing for existing ulcers to heal, and may also prevent ulcers from forming. Ranitidine is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for dogs and cats.
For: Dogs and Cats
Benefits:
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Treats and prevents ulcers of the stomach and intestines
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Reduces stomach acid
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Treats inflammation of the stomach and esophagus
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Easy to administer tablet
How it works:
Ranitidine blocks the histamine H-2 receptor that stimulates stomach acid secretion, which reduces the irritation of existing ulcers, and may prevent new ulcers from forming.
Cautions:
Do not give to dogs and cats with liver or kidney disease.
Brand Name Zantac 150 (Boehringer Ingelheim)
Generic Name ranitidine
What is the most important information I should know about Ranitidine: Ranitidine is a non-prescription medication not FDA approved for veterinary use; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in dogs and cats to reduce the amount of stomach acid produced. Ranitidine is available over the counter as packages containing 24 x 150mg tablets. The usual dose in dogs is 0.22mg to 0.44mg per pound every 8 to 12 hours. The usual dose in cats is 0.22mg per pound every 12 hours.
What is Ranitidine: Ranitidine is an H2 receptor antagonist. H2 receptor antagonists are use to reduce the production of stomach acid. Ranitidine aids in the healing of stomach ulcers and stomach ulcer formation. Ranitidine is also used to treat gastritis, esophagitis, and GERD. Ranitidine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Ranitidine to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has heart, liver, or kidney disease. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant since it may affect weight gain.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Ranitidine should not be given with food. Food will decrease its effectiveness. Store Ranitidine at room temperature away from moisture and light. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Overdose is rare. If overdose is suspected, seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of Ranitidine overdose may include vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, muscle tremors, and rapid breathing.
What should I avoid while giving Ranitidine to my pet: Ranitidine should not be used in animals allergic to it. Use Ranitidine with caution in animals with heart, kidney, or liver disease. Use with caution in pregnant females.
What are the possible side effects of Ranitidine: For dogs and cats, if any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Ranitidine and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives). Side effects are rare but may include diarrhea or irregular heartbeat. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Ranitidine: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given antacids, acetaminophen, ketoconazole or itraconazole, metoprolol, nifedipine, propantheline, and long term use of Vitamin B12, as interactions can occur. Give Ranitidine 2 hours before or 2 hours after the other medications. When given with azathioprine, Ranitidine may further decrease white blood cell counts. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with Ranitidine. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines including vitamins, and supplements..
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Ranitidine written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
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Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your pet medication.
Tip: Simplify giving your pet Ranitidine with Pill Pockets.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs/Cats:
All weights
Give 0.25 to 1 mg of Ranitidine for every pound of your pet's weight, every 8 to 12 hours.
I have a 90# lab who has acid reflux and I thought i would try this. I would need to give him approx 40mg, so i would cut them into 3 pieces. Are they east to break?
My dog is 18 lbs and he has to take medication for acid indigestion. I bought Ranitidine 150 mg, but he can take only .22 to .44 mg per dog pound times his weight . How many mg. can I give him per day. ????? Thank you, and my dog Wonky thanks you. Sophia
Unfortunately, you cannot use this strength to dose an 18 lb pet. You would need to have this medication specially compounded to the correct dose at a compounding pharmacy in your community.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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