Ondansetron + Ranitidine Tablets

Ondansetron + Ranitidine Tablets come with the brand name “ONCE – R” and are classified under the family of ‘gastro-intestinal agent’ and ‘anti-emetic.’ It is mainly used in controlling Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. GERD is a disease in which a valve located at the highest point of the stomach is inflamed or eroded due to the presence of excessive acid in the stomach.

Therefore, stomach acid flows into the food pipe, causing stomach issues and heartburn. Heartburn is acid reflux with a burning feeling that starts from the stomach and progresses upward toward the neck. Nausea is a condition, where a person feels a tendency to vomit, while vomiting is the reflexive act when the stomach’s content is expelled.

Ondansetron + Ranitidine Tablets is a combination of two medicines: Ranitidinum, an antacid, and ondansetron, an antiemetic was given. Ranitidine belongs to the H2 blocker (antacid) group which lowers the acid produced in the stomach and is used in treating acid-related heartburn and other disorders.

On the other hand ‘Ondansetron’ helps to manage this side effect by acting as an antagonist to serotonin which is a naturally occurring substance that triggers vomiting episodes. Therefore, it reduces incidents of nausea and vomiting that may be due to surgical operations, chemotherapy, pregnancy, or motion sickness.

Medical Benefits

• The medicine is mostly prescribed for patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, heartburn, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting.
• It has Ranitidine, which helps to minimize the amount of stomach acid that is present in the body. It also avoids the formation of an ulcer on the stomach; this is called peptic ulcer or the formation of gastroesophageal reflux disease with or without an ulcer.
• It is also used to alleviate nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, surgery, pregnancy, and motion sickness in adults and children over four years.
• Serotonin in the blood triggers the CTZ receptor, which is the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain that deals with nausea and vomiting.
• Ondansetron + Ranitidine Tablets work on the antiemetic serotonin receptors to prevent nausea and vomiting.

Directions for Use

• Swallow the tablet whole with some water, as advised by your doctor.
• Consume the tablet whole, do not chew, crush or divide it.
• It should be taken at the same time each day with or without food.
• In case you have missed a dose, you must take it as soon as possible, as soon as you remember that you have forgotten it. Do not complete it if the time is close to the next dose.
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
• Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting the doctor as this might lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Storage

• Place the tablets in a cool dry location out of the reach of direct sunlight.
• Store them at room temperature generally within the temperature range of 20°C-25°C.
• Do not store in moist areas such as bathrooms or near the kitchen sink.

Precautions

• It may interact with medicines for heart disease (amiodarone), painkillers (tramadol), antifungal medicines (clotrimazole), and antidiabetic medicines (metformin). Consult a doctor before taking this medication.
• Ondansetron + Ranitidine Tablets are contraindicated during pregnancy because they may harm the fetus or unborn child.
• If consumed with alcohol and nicotine (tobacco) it results in dehydration besides lowering the effect of stomach acids which are known to be diminished.
• It should not be given to patients who are suffering from gastric bleeding, liver/kidney ailment, low vitamin B12 (anaemia), low potassium (hypokalemia) and depression.
• Ondansetron can pass into breast milk, so breastfeeding mothers should inform their doctor before use.
• It may cause dizziness, low blood pressure, headache, and drowsiness. So, avoid driving or using heavy machinery while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

• Constipation
• Dryness in mouth
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does this medicine cause gastric bleeding?

No, it prevents excess production of stomach acid, causing acid reflux and heartburn. If blood is coming in your stool or mucous, immediately contact the doctor.

I am facing severe constipation, so should I take this tablet?

Tell your doctor if you are facing severe constipation as after checking your condition, the doctor will decide whether you can take this medicine or not.

Can I drive a car after taking this medication?

It may cause dizziness, low blood pressure, headache, and drowsiness as a side effect. So, one should avoid driving or operating any machine that requires mental alertness.

Does this composition cause gastric bleeding?

No, it prevents excess production of stomach acid, causing acid reflux and heartburn. If blood is coming in your stool or mucous, immediately contact the doctor.