If you have esophagus, intestine or stomach problems, then the doctor may prescribe ranitidine. Ranitidine is primarily used to treat stomach ulcers, ulcers in the duodenum, erosive esophagitis, gastro-esophageal reflux or health conditions that result in the stomach producing excessive acid.  

Ranitidine can be purchased using a prescription or it can be bought over the counter. If bought over the counter, the drug is primarily used to treat problems, such as heartburn and acidity; and is meant for use by patients, who 12 years or more.

Ulcers are a major problem in today's world due to the hectic lives that people lead. They can also occur due to certain medications, diseases or infections. NSAIDs or a Helicobacter pylori infection can result in ulcers in any part of the digestive tract. However, ulcers are most common in the duodenum or the stomach. The symptoms of ulcers, such as pain in the stomach and heartburn, can be quite severe, and these are treated with the help of ranitidine. Since the medication helps to block secretion of stomach acids, it facilitates healing of the ulcers.

Ranitidine can be a boon for people suffering from gastro-esophageal reflux, wherein the contents of the stomach flow backwards into the esophagus. This causes the stomach acid to enter the esophagus and damage it. Acidity, sour aftertaste in the mouth, pain in the chest, choking sensation or feeling as though something is stuck in the throat are symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux. These symptoms can be alleviated by ranitidine as it reduces the secretion of acid in the stomach.

Erosive esophagitis occurs when the esophageal lining is damaged. The main cause usually is gastro-esophageal reflux, but it can also occur due to taking certain medicals, vomiting violently, swallowing a sharp object or due to chemicals that are acidic in nature. Ranitidine is used to treat erosive esophagitis and also helps in ensuring that the condition does not come back after it heals.

Finally, there are several health conditions that result in the stomach secreting more acid than required. Some of the conditions include short gut syndrome, systemic mastocytosis and Zollinger Ellison syndrome. Patients suffering from these health condition are often prescribed ranitidine, so that the amount of acid produced by the stomach is reduced and this, in turn, helps to alleviate the symptoms caused due to overproduction of stomach acid.

If you are suffering from any of the aforementioned symptoms, consult your doctor before taking ranitidine. While for heartburn, you can take over the counter ranitidine, but make sure you still get a check up done to rule other serious health problems associated with the digestive tract.

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