Singing the Praises of Ranitidine (Zantac)

I have found this anti GI Ulcer med' to be invaluable when treating GI stasis, 'gassy' tummies and any condition where a Bun is Anorexic.
I have one Bun, Dermot, who has a chronic gut problem. I feel sure that he would not be here today had we not started to use Ranitidine.
So if you are ever unfortunate to have a Bun that has a GI motility problem do mention Ranitidine to your Vets. In combination with prokinetics and analgesics it really does help. It is also beneficial to give to anyBun on longterm NSAIDs (eg Metacam). One of the negative side-effects of NSAIDs can be gastric irritation.

I second that - I'm sure Dusty wouldn't be here today without it either.

thanks guys, will remember that (although I doubt they'll have it here).

Thanks for sharing

I take it too now as I have a history of GI ulceration and the meds I was on gave me .........well.......dreadful diarrhoea (SORRY!!)

The Ranitidine does not have that effect. It may be one of the older anti-ulcer meds but it suits me the best and its helped numerous Bunsters too

I'm sat at work now and we give a lot of our babies ranitadine to help with gastric problems. Never thought of giving it to a bunny though.

Ranitidine is now a staple medication for any rabbit with ileus Not only does it have an anti-ulcer effect but it also stimulates gut movement (by an as yet unknown pathway). It is a very useful drug, but I wish they made it in a different flavour to the very strongly minty Zantac syrup!

We used Cimetidine (Tagamet) for Caspian as he preferred the taste but I am sure it helped during his stasis bouts

Marie_Kubiak wrote:Ranitidine is now a staple medication for any rabbit with ileus Not only does it have an anti-ulcer effect but it also stimulates gut movement (by an as yet unknown pathway). It is a very useful drug, but I wish they made it in a different flavour to the very strongly minty Zantac syrup!

My lot love the minty taste !!
Mind you when they have tummy pain they like Spearmint and Camomile Tea too.........

Dusty isn't a fan of the taste, or of her peppermint tea that she gets daily!

Awwwwww bless her, how is she doing at the moment ?

What sort of dose is recommended, I might suggest it for Evo tomorrow??

Jack's-Jane wrote:Awwwwww bless her, how is she doing at the moment ?

Surprisingly well, although obviously every day is a bonus! I am sure she won't be around for much longer, but I know she's still happy at the moment (and we're loving still having her around).

rallybunny wrote:What sort of dose is recommended, I might suggest it for Evo tomorrow??

Dusty is on 0.8 ml twice a day.

rallybunny wrote:What sort of dose is recommended, I might suggest it for Evo tomorrow??

2-5mg/kg every 12 hours

SarahP wrote:

Jack's-Jane wrote:Awwwwww bless her, how is she doing at the moment ?

Surprisingly well, although obviously every day is a bonus! I am sure she won't be around for much longer, but I know she's still happy at the moment (and we're loving still having her around).

That's such good news !!

Is it something that the vet is likely to have anyway, or something that they would have to get in?? Or something that I could get from the chemist??

Ranitidine is AKA Zantac and can now be bought in Supermarkets etc. BUT its obviously in tablet form (75mg tabs) and so impractical for dosing a Bun.
Ranitidine Liquid is only available on prescription. Your Vet may have it as its used in Dogs and Cats too. Alternatively there is another anti GI Ulcer med called Cimetidine (Tagamet) which your Vet may keep in stock.
If not the Vet can either order it in for you or alternatively give you a prescription (for which Vet cannot charge you- not til October anyway, when the rules change) You can then obtain it through any Pharmacy as you would a prescription for yourself.

Hope Evo is feeling better today

Jack's-Jane wrote:Ranitidine is AKA Zantac and can now be bought in Supermarkets etc. BUT its obviously in tablet form (75mg tabs) and so impractical for dosing a Bun.
Ranitidine Liquid is only available on prescription. Your Vet may have it as its used in Dogs and Cats too. Alternatively there is another anti GI Ulcer med called Cimetidine (Tagamet) which your Vet may keep in stock.
If not the Vet can either order it in for you or alternatively give you a prescription (for which Vet cannot charge you- not til October anyway, when the rules change) You can then obtain it through any Pharmacy as you would a prescription for yourself.

Hope Evo is feeling better today

Thanks Jane, Evo is still poorly. Very useful info though, which I will take with me, especially as it helps with the gut movement as well as being anti-ulcer. I presume he can still have it, if he's had metaclopramide etc??

Yes, Dusty has both Metoclop and Zantac.

Poor ickle Evo

Do the Vets have any idea as to the cause of his illness ?

More vibes on their way for him

xx

sorry to hear of poorly buns. I would have never thought of asking about ranitidine!! thanks for posting this jane

Barlie loves the taste of Zantac I put it on a basil leaf and she loves it.Bugsy turns his nose up at it.I found if i put It on a basil leaf then put a mint leaf on top he will gobble It up.Aren't bunnies funny creatures with their likes and dislikes.Then again we all have our likes and dislikes in life