💊 Aciloc 150 Tablet – Get relief from acid reflux and peptic ulcers!
Aciloc 150 Tablet
Product Introduction
Aciloc 150 Tablet is a widely prescribed medication containing Ranitidine hydrochloride 150mg as its active ingredient. It belongs to a class of drugs known as histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonists, which reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. This medication has been an important cornerstone in the management of various acid-related gastrointestinal disorders for many years.
Ranitidine works by blocking the action of histamine on the histamine H2 receptors in the stomach cells, thereby reducing the production of stomach acid. This helps alleviate symptoms associated with excessive acid production such as heartburn, acid indigestion, and stomach ulcers. The 150mg formulation is the standard strength used for most acid-related conditions.
Aciloc 150 has been proven effective in providing relief from conditions like peptic ulcers (both gastric and duodenal), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is also commonly used as preventive therapy for stress ulcers and as part of treatment regimens for H. pylori eradication.
The tablet form provides convenient oral administration, with effects typically beginning within an hour and lasting for approximately 12 hours. This allows for effective symptom control with twice-daily dosing in most cases, though some conditions may require different dosing schedules as determined by healthcare providers.
As with all medications, Aciloc 150 should be used under medical supervision, and patients should be aware of both its benefits and potential limitations. While generally well-tolerated, it's important to follow prescribed dosing regimens and to communicate any concerns or side effects to healthcare providers promptly.
Important note: In recent years, some ranitidine products have been withdrawn from certain markets due to concerns about potential contamination with N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Patients should consult with their healthcare providers regarding the current status and appropriate alternatives if needed.
Key Composition & Ingredients
- Active Ingredient: Ranitidine hydrochloride equivalent to 150mg Ranitidine
- Inactive Ingredients: May include microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, triacetin, iron oxide colorants, and other pharmaceutical excipients
Uses of Aciloc Tablet
- Treatment of duodenal and gastric ulcers
- Prevention of duodenal ulcer recurrence
- Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Management of erosive esophagitis
- Relief from heartburn and acid indigestion
- Treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- Prevention of stress ulcers in critically ill patients
- Part of combination therapy for H. pylori eradication
- Relief from symptoms of non-ulcer dyspepsia
- Prevention of aspiration pneumonitis during surgery
Benefits of Aciloc Tablet
- Effective reduction of stomach acid production
- Relief from heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion
- Helps heal ulcers in the stomach and duodenum
- Prevents recurrence of ulcers
- Reduces esophageal inflammation in GERD
- Generally well-tolerated with relatively few side effects
- Convenient twice-daily dosing for most conditions
- Can be taken with or without food
- Relatively affordable acid-reducing option
- Less likely to interact with many medications compared to some alternatives
- May reduce the risk of complications from untreated acid-related disorders
How Aciloc Tablet Works
Ranitidine is a selective histamine H2-receptor antagonist that works through the following mechanism:
- Histamine is naturally produced in the body and stimulates special receptors (H2 receptors) on the stomach's parietal cells.
- When histamine binds to H2 receptors, it triggers these cells to produce gastric acid.
- Ranitidine selectively blocks the H2 receptors, preventing histamine from binding to them.
- This inhibits the stimulus for acid production, resulting in decreased secretion of gastric acid.
- With reduced acid levels, the stomach and duodenum environment becomes less corrosive, allowing ulcers and irritated tissues to heal.
- The medication also helps increase the pH of stomach contents, reducing the irritation caused by acid reflux.
Unlike antacids that neutralize existing acid, Ranitidine prevents excess acid production at the source, providing longer-lasting relief.
Dosage of Aciloc Tablet
Daily Dose
- Duodenal or gastric ulcers: 150mg twice daily or 300mg once daily at bedtime for 4-8 weeks
- Maintenance therapy for ulcers: 150mg once daily at bedtime
- GERD: 150mg twice daily for 6-12 weeks
- Erosive esophagitis: 150mg four times daily for up to 12 weeks
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: Starting at 150mg twice daily, may be increased as needed
- Heartburn relief: 150mg as needed, up to twice daily
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, drowsiness, blurred vision, and irregular heartbeat. Seek immediate medical attention if overdose is suspected.
How to Use Aciloc Tablet
- Take Aciloc tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor
- It can be taken with or without food
- For ulcer treatment, taking it after meals and at bedtime may be recommended
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water
- Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet unless specifically instructed
- For best results in treating ulcers or GERD, complete the full course of treatment
- For occasional heartburn, take as needed up to the maximum recommended dose
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, which can increase stomach acid production
Side Effects of Aciloc Tablet
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea
- Stomach discomfort
- Fatigue
Serious Side Effects (Rare)
- Confusion or agitation (especially in elderly patients)
- Hallucinations
- Liver problems (jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain)
- Changes in heart rhythm
- Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
- Blood disorders (unusual bleeding or bruising)
- Inflammation of the pancreas (severe abdominal pain)
How to Manage Side Effects
- Most mild side effects resolve without intervention within a few days
- Stay hydrated to help manage constipation or diarrhea
- Taking the medication with food may help reduce stomach discomfort
- Report any persistent or severe side effects to your doctor
- Seek immediate medical attention for signs of allergic reaction or serious side effects
Safety Advice for Aciloc Tablet
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol as it can increase stomach acid production and irritate the stomach lining, counteracting the medication's effects.
Pregnancy
Category B - Generally considered safe, but use only if clearly needed and under medical supervision during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Ranitidine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before using while breastfeeding.
Driving
Usually safe to drive as it typically doesn't cause drowsiness, but individual responses may vary. Use caution initially.
Kidney
Use with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be necessary for patients with moderate to severe renal impairment.
Liver
Use with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment may be necessary as the liver metabolizes ranitidine.
Children
Safety and efficacy established for children over 12 years for most conditions. Pediatric doses are weight-based and determined by a doctor.
Older Patients
May be more sensitive to side effects. Lower doses may be appropriate for elderly patients, especially those with kidney or liver issues.
Allergy
Do not take if you have known hypersensitivity to ranitidine or other H2 blockers.
Warnings & Precautions of Aciloc Tablet
- Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks of treatment
- May mask symptoms of stomach cancer; seek medical evaluation for persistent symptoms
- Long-term use may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency in some patients
- May increase risk of certain infections by reducing stomach acid
- Caution in patients with impaired kidney or liver function
- May cause confusion or delirium, especially in elderly patients
- Report any unusual changes in heart rhythm to your doctor
- Potential for drug interactions; inform all healthcare providers about medications you are taking
- Regular monitoring may be needed during long-term therapy
- If symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, seek medical evaluation
Interactions with Aciloc Tablet
Drug-Drug Interactions
- Antacids: May reduce absorption of ranitidine; separate doses by 1-2 hours
- Sucralfate: May reduce absorption of ranitidine; take ranitidine 2 hours before sucralfate
- Warfarin: May enhance anticoagulant effect; monitor INR
- Procainamide and triamterene: May increase levels of these drugs due to competition for renal tubular secretion
- Medications requiring acidic environment for absorption (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, atazanavir): May have reduced absorption with ranitidine
- Glipizide: May enhance hypoglycemic effect
- Midazolam, diazepam: May increase levels of these benzodiazepines
Drug-Food Interactions
No significant food interactions known. Aciloc can be taken with or without food.
Contraindications of Aciloc Tablet
- Known hypersensitivity to ranitidine or any components of the formulation
- Acute porphyria (ranitidine may precipitate attacks)
- Concurrent use with medications that can cause QT prolongation in patients with pre-existing QT prolongation
Diet & Lifestyle Advice
- Avoid foods that trigger excess acid production or reflux (spicy foods, fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine)
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large meals
- Avoid eating within 2-3 hours of bedtime
- Elevate the head of your bed if you experience nighttime heartburn
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking as it can increase acid production and worsen symptoms
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to reduce pressure on your abdomen
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
- Stay upright after eating to reduce reflux
Why Doctors Recommend This Medicine
Doctors prescribe Aciloc when:
- Patients have confirmed peptic ulcers that need healing
- There is evidence of GERD or erosive esophagitis
- Patients have frequent heartburn or acid indigestion
- Prevention of ulcer recurrence is needed
- As part of H. pylori eradication therapy
- For prevention of stress ulcers in critically ill patients
- Other approaches like lifestyle modifications and antacids haven't provided adequate relief
Substitutes & Alternative Medicines
Other H2 Blockers
- Famotidine (Pepcid)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Nizatidine (Axid)
Other Acid-Reducing Medications
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Esomeprazole, Rabeprazole
- Antacids: Aluminum hydroxide, Magnesium hydroxide combinations
- Mucosal Protectants: Sucralfate
- Prokinetics: Domperidone, Metoclopramide
Storage Guidelines
- Store at room temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F)
- Protect from light and moisture
- Keep in the original container or packaging
- Keep out of reach of children
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the package
- Do not store in the bathroom or other humid areas
User Feedback & Patient Concerns
Common feedback from patients includes:
- Relief from heartburn and acid reflux within 1-2 hours of taking the medication
- Questions about duration of treatment for different conditions
- Concerns about long-term use and potential side effects
- Interest in combining with other treatments for better symptom control
- Reports of improved sleep when nighttime acid reflux is controlled
- Questions about when to take the medication in relation to meals
Quick Tips
- Take consistently at the same times each day for best results
- For nighttime heartburn, take the evening dose about 30 minutes before bedtime
- Don't stop the medication suddenly if you've been taking it for a long time
- Keep a diary of symptoms to discuss effectiveness with your doctor
- Remember that it typically takes 1-2 hours to work for acute symptoms
- Taking with food may help if you experience minor stomach discomfort from the medication
- Complete the full course for ulcer treatment, even if symptoms improve early
Fact Box
- Chemical Class: Aminoalkyl furan derivative
- Habit Forming: No
- Therapeutic Class: H2 receptor antagonist
- Action Class: Gastric acid secretion inhibitor
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Endoscopy to evaluate ulcers, esophagitis, or other GI conditions
- H. pylori testing (breath test, stool test, or biopsy)
- 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring for GERD
- Barium swallow X-ray for structural abnormalities
- Liver function tests during long-term therapy
- Complete blood count if long-term therapy is planned
- Vitamin B12 levels for long-term users
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment regimen. Individual results may vary, and side effects not listed here may occur in some patients. Due to potential concerns regarding NDMA in ranitidine products, consult with your healthcare provider about the current status of this medication and potential alternatives if necessary.
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