Ranitidine with Triazolam Interaction Details
Brand Names Associated with Ranitidine
- Ranitidine
- Tritec®
- Zantac®
- Zantac® 75
- Zantac® EFFERdose®
- Zantac® Syrup
Brand Names Associated with Triazolam
- Halcion®
- Triazolam

Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Nov 25, 2023
Interaction Effect
Increased triazolam absorption and serum concentrations
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of oral ranitidine at a dose of 150 mg twice daily and triazolam increased triazolam exposure by approximately 30% in healthy volunteers. Gastric absorption and bioavailability of triazolam were increased when ranitidine doses of 75 mg and 150 mg were coadministered with triazolam . Therefore, patients should be monitored for triazolam toxicity when ranitidine and triazolam are coadministered . If symptoms are present, a triazolam dose reduction may be considered.
Severity
Moderate
Onset
Unspecified
Evidence
Probable
How To Manage Interaction
Concomitant use of ranitidine and triazolam has resulted in increased triazolam exposure. Therefore, monitor for signs of triazolam intoxication (eg, sedation, dizziness, ataxia, weakness, decreased cognition or motor performance). If symptoms are present, consider a triazolam dose reduction.
Mechanism Of Interaction
Decreased gastric acidity
Literature Reports
A) The concomitant administration of ranitidine with triazolam significantly increased the gastric absorption and subsequent bioavailability of triazolam. In a randomized, open-label, 3-way crossover study, healthy subjects were segregated into 2 age strata (19 to 60 years of age, n=18; 61 to 78 years of age, n=12) and were given single oral doses of triazolam 0.25 mg alone, on day 3 of a 4-day regimen of ranitidine 75 mg twice daily, and on day 3 of a 4-day regimen of ranitidine 150 mg twice daily. Serial blood analysis was performed over the 24 hour period following triazolam administration. In younger patients, coadministration of triazolam with twice-daily ranitidine 75 mg and 150 mg increased triazolam AUC (0-infinity) by 10% and 28%, respectively. For older patients, coadministration of triazolam with twice-daily ranitidine 75 mg and 150 mg increased triazolam AUC (0-infinity) by 31% and 28%, respectively. There were no changes observed in the elimination half-life of triazolam or the metabolite alpha-hydroxytriazolam, nor were changes seen in the ratio of alpha-hydroxytriazolam to triazolam AUC .
Ranitidine Overview
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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.
Triazolam Overview
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Triazolam is used on a short-term basis to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Triazolam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep.
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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.