Question 1

What is Ranitidine used for?

Accepted Answer

Ranitidine is indicated for: Gastric acid reduction, GI stasis (prokinetic + acid reduction), prokinetic.

Question 2

What routes can Ranitidine be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: PO, IV, IM.

Question 3

Which species have cited Ranitidine dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Ranitidine dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 3 species: Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic), Rabbit (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Ranitidine a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Ranitidine is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Ranitidine?

Accepted Answer

Less drug interaction potential than cimetidine. Prokinetic effect makes it preferred over famotidine when motility enhancement also desired. Administer slowly IV. Note: human formulation withdrawn in some markets.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Ranitidine?

Accepted Answer

Less drug interaction potential than cimetidine. Prokinetic effect makes it preferred over famotidine when motility enhancement also desired. Administer slowly IV. Note: human formulation withdrawn in some markets.

Question 7

How does Ranitidine work?

Accepted Answer

Competitively blocks H2 receptors on parietal cells, reducing gastric acid secretion. Also has prokinetic activity via acetylcholinesterase inhibition.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	PO	2 mg/kg	q8-12h	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)	PO	2.5–3.5 mg/kg	q12h	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Ranitidine

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Ranitidine dosing data (3 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 3 dose rules

Backed by 2 published primary sources

Sample dosing (2 of 3 cited rules)

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