The Basics
What is Ranitidine?
decreases stomach acid production. It is commonly used in treatment of peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and Zollinger–Ellison syndrome
Brand names for Ranitidine
Zantac
How Ranitidine is classified
Anti-Ulcer Agents, Histamine H2 Antagonists, Gastrointestinal Agents
Ranitidine During Pregnancy
Ranitidine pregnancy category
Category Currently subject to a recallNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Ranitidine while pregnant
Ranitidine is the only H2RA whoseefficacy during pregnancy has been established
Taking Ranitidine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Ranitidine?
Although interpatient variability exists, the dose of ranitidine in breastmilk is less than the dose used in newborn infants. Maternal ranitidine would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. No special precautions are required.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Although interpatient variability exists, the dose of ranitidine in breastmilk is less than the dose used in newborn infants. Maternal ranitidine would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. No special precautions are required.
Possible effects of Ranitidine on milk supply
Histamine H2-receptor blockade is known to stimulate prolactin secretion.[3] Ranitidine in intravenous doses over 100 mg or during long-term oral use have increased serum prolactin in some studies, and rare cases of gynecomastia have been reported.[4][5][6][7][8] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Possible alternatives to Ranitidine
Cimetidine, Famotidine, Nizatidine, Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Sucralfate.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Riley AJ, Crowley P, Harrison C. Transfer of ranitidine to biological fluids: Milk and semen. In: Misiewicz JJ, Wormsley KG, eds. The clinical use of ranitidine. Oxford: Medicine Publishing Foundation, 1982:78-81.
2. Kearns GL, McConnell RF Jr, Trang JM et al. Appearance of ranitidine in breast milk following multiple dosing. Clin Pharm. 1985;4:322-4. PMID: 4039999
3. Knigge UP. Histaminergic regulation of prolactin secretion. Dan Med Bull. 1990;37:109-24. PMID: 2188799
4. Perret G, Hugues JN, Louchahi M et al. Effect of a short-term oral administration of cimetidine and ranitidine on the basal and thyrotropin-releasing hormone-stimulated serum concentrations of prolactin, thyrotropin and thyroid hormones in healthy volunteers. A double-blind cross-over study. Pharmacology. 1986;32:101-8. PMID: 3081918
5. Delitala G, Devilla L, Pende A et al. Effects of the H2 receptor antagonist ranitidine on anterior pituitary hormone secretion in man. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1982;22:207-11. PMID: 6125393
6. Knigge U, Wollesen F, Dejgarrd A et al. Comparison between dose-responses of prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone and growth hormone to two different histamine H-2 receptor antagonists in normal men. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 1981;15:585-92. PMID: 6276054
7. Tosi S, Cagnoli M. Painful gynecomastia with ranitidine. Lancet. 1982;2:160. PMID: 6123872
8. Bera F, Jonville-Bera AP, Doustin P et al. [Impotence and gynecomastia secondary to hyperprolactinemia induced by ranitidine]. Therapie. 1994;49:361-2. PMID: 7878608
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
