| Ranitidine has been associated rarely with hypersensitivity reactions (urticaria, angioneurotic oedema, fever, bronchospasm, laryngeal spasm, hypotension, anaphylactic shock, eosinophilia, chest pain), occasionally after a single dose.As with other H2 - receptor antagonists, there have been rare reports of bradycardia, tachycardia and A-V block.The following blood dyscrasias have been associated with the use of ranitidine: leucopenia and thrombocytopenia (which are usually reversible), agranulocytosis, and pancytopenia, sometimes with bone marrow hypoplasia or aplasia.Skin rash including rare causes of erythema multiforme, alopecia, pruritus and musculoskeletal symptoms, for example arthralgia and myalgia have been reported rarely.Headache, sometimes severe, dizziness and fatigue have been reported in a small portion of patients. Mental confusion which was reversible, agitation, depression and hallucinations have been observed, mainly in patients with severe illness and the elderly. Rare cases of reversible blurred vision (possibly due to impaired accommodation) have also been reported. The following gastrointestinal side-effects have been associated with the use of ranitidine: nausea, constipation and diarrhoea.Transient changes in the results of liver function tests may occur. Hepatitis (hepatocellular, hepatocanalicular or mixed) with or without jaundice, have occurred occasionally. These effects were usually reversible. Rare cases of acute pancreatitis have been seen. Small increases in serum creatinine have also been reported.Isolated cases of breast swelling and / or discomfort have been observed in males, some of which have resolved with continued ranitidine use. Discontinuation of therapy may be indicated to establish the underlying cause. No clinically significant changes in endocrine or gonadal function have been observed. Although occasional cases of impotence and loss of libido have been reported in male patients receiving ranitidine, the incidence did not differ from that in the general population. | |