Ranitidine overdose
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overdose Information
Human Experience
Overdose Management
Human Experience
There is very limited experience with Ranitidine overdose. In premarketing clinical studies, there were eight
reports of Ranitidine overdose alone or in combination with other
pharmacological agents. The only drug overdose death reported
while taking Ranitidine was in combination with amitriptyline and
chlorprothixene in a non-US clinical study. Based on plasma levels,
the Ranitidine dose taken was 30–45 mg, while plasma levels of
amitriptyline and chlorprothixene were found to be at toxic levels. All
other premarketing overdose cases resulted in full recovery. Signs and
symptoms reported in association with overdose included disorientation,
drowsiness, impaired memory, and tachycardia. There
were no reports of ECG abnormalities, coma or convulsions following
overdose with Ranitidine alone. Return to top
Overdose Management
Treatment should consist of those general measures employed in the
management of overdose with any drug effective in the treatment of
major depressive disorder. Ensure an adequate airway, oxygenation,
and ventilation. Monitor cardiac rhythm and vital signs. General supportive
and symptomatic measures are also recommended. Induction
of emesis is not recommended. Gastric lavage with a large-bore
orogastric tube with appropriate airway protection, if needed, may be
indicated if performed soon after ingestion, or in symptomatic patients.
Activated charcoal should be administered. There is no experience
with the use of forced diuresis, dialysis, hemoperfusion or exchange
transfusion in the treatment of mirtazapine overdosage. No specific
antidotes for mirtazapine are known. Return to top
Adapted from the FDA Package Insert.