Ranitidine with Hydrocodone Interaction Details

Brand Names Associated with Ranitidine

  • Ranitidine
  • Tritec®
  • Zantac®
  • Zantac® 75
  • Zantac® EFFERdose®
  • Zantac® Syrup

Brand Names Associated with Hydrocodone

  • Hydrocodone
  • Hysingla®
  • Zohydro ER®

Medical Content Editor
Last updated Nov 25, 2023

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Interaction Effect

Increased hydrocodone exposure and risk of increased or prolonged opioid effects

Interaction Summary

Coadministration of extended-release hydrocodone, a CYP3A4 substrate, with any CYP3A4 inhibitor may increase the plasma concentration of hydrocodone and the risk of opioid toxicity. Cautiously initiate extended-release hydrocodone in patients currently taking CYP3A4 inhibitors, and use caution when CYP3A4 inhibitors are initiated or discontinued in patients taking hydrocodone. If concomitant use is required, frequently monitor patients for respiratory depression or sedation and consider dose reduction of hydrocodone.

Severity

Major

Onset

Unspecified

Evidence

Theoretical

How To Manage Interaction

Coadministration of extended-release hydrocodone, a CYP3A4 substrate, with any CYP3A4 inhibitor may increase the plasma concentration of hydrocodone and the risk of opioid toxicity. Cautiously initiate extended-release hydrocodone in patients currently taking CYP3A4 inhibitors, and use caution when CYP3A4 inhibitors are initiated or discontinued in patients taking hydrocodone. If concomitant use is required, frequently monitor patients for respiratory depression or sedation and consider dose reduction of hydrocodone.

Mechanism Of Interaction

Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated hydrocodone metabolism

Ranitidine Overview

  • Ranitidine is used to treat ulcers; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the food pipe (esophagus); and conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Over-the-counter ranitidine is used to prevent and treat symptoms of heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach. Ranitidine is in a class of medications called H2 blockers. It decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach.

See More information Regarding Ranitidine

Hydrocodone Overview

  • Hydrocodone is used to relieve severe pain. Hydrocodone is only used to treat people who are expected to need medication to relieve severe pain around-the-clock for a long time and who cannot be treated with other medications or treatments. Hydrocodone extended-release (long-acting) capsules or extended-release tablets should not be used to treat pain that can be controlled by medication that is taken as needed. Hydrocodone is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.

  • This monograph only includes information about the use of hydrocodone alone. If you are taking a hydrocodone combination product, be sure to read information about all the ingredients in the hydrocodone-combination monograph and ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

See More information Regarding Hydrocodone

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Definitions

Severity Categories

Contraindicated

These drugs, generally, should not be used together simultaneously due to the high risk of severe adverse effects. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes and should be strictly avoided unless otherwise instructed by your provider.


Major

This interaction could result in very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you are taking this drug combination, it is very important to be under close medical supervision to minimize severe side effects and ensure your safety. It may be necessary to change a medication or dosage to prevent harm.


Moderate

This interaction has the potential to worsen your medical condition or alter the effectiveness of your treatment. It's important that you are monitored closely and you potentially may need to make adjustments in your treatment plan or drug dosage to maintain optimal health.


Minor

While this interaction is unlikely to cause significant problems, it could intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both medications. Monitoring for changes in symptoms and your condition is recommended, and adjustments may be made if needed to manage any increased or more pronounced side effects.

Onset

Rapid: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs within 24 hours of co-administration.

Delayed: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs more than 24 hours after co-administration.

Evidence

Level of documentation of the interaction.

Established: The interaction is documented and substantiated in peer-reviewed medical literature.

Theoretical: This interaction is not fully supported by current medical evidence or well-documented sources, but it is based on known drug mechanisms, drug effects, and other relevant information.

How To Manage The Interaction

Provides a detailed discussion on how patients and clinicians can approach the identified drug interaction as well as offers guidance on what to expect and strategies to potentially mitigate the effects of the interaction. This may include recommendations on adjusting medication dosages, altering the timing of drug administration, or closely monitoring for specific symptoms.

It's important to note that all medical situations are unique, and management approaches should be tailored to individual circumstances. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on managing drug interactions effectively.

Mechanism Of Interaction

The theorized or clinically determined reason (i.e., mechanism) why the drug-drug interaction occurs.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific circumstances and medical conditions.

Where Does Our Information Come From?

Information for our drug interactions is compiled from several drug compendia, including:

The prescribing information for each drug, as published on DailyMED, is also used. 

Individual drug-drug interaction detail pages contain references specific to that interaction. You can click on the reference number within brackets '[]' to see what reference was utilized.

The information posted is fact-checked by HelloPharmacist clinicians and reviewed quarterly.