Ranitidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist that inhibits stomach acid production. It is commonly used in treatment of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Ranitidine is also used alongside fexofenadine and other antihistamines for the treatment of skin conditions such as hives. Ranitidine is also known to give false positives for methamphetamine on drug tests.
Ranitidine's main side effects are confusion and depression, although these are very rare and usually only seen in geriatric patients.
Chat with our AI personalities
No. Ranitidine decreases stomach acid production, so it is useful in the prophylaxis of heartburn/acid reflux and related conditions. A "narcotic" is a drug with psychoactive compounds and sleep-inducing properties, such as opiates. Ranitidine has neither of these properties.