When should a nurse schedule a daily dose of ranitidine (Zantac) for a client?

Scheduling a daily dose of ranitidine at bedtime is appropriate due to the medication's mechanism of action and its intended therapeutic effect. Ranitidine is an H2 receptor antagonist that reduces stomach acid production. Taking it at night helps minimize nocturnal gastric acid secretion, which is particularly beneficial for patients who suffer from conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcers that may be aggravated by acid exposure during the night.

Administering ranitidine at bedtime can enhance symptom relief during the night and when the patient wakes up, as acid production typically peaks at this time. This approach helps maintain a more neutral pH in the stomach, allowing for better healing of the esophagus and stomach lining.

Other times, such as after lunch or with supper, may not provide the same level of symptom control overnight. Taking it before breakfast might not be as effective in addressing nighttime acid secretion and could lead to increased symptoms during periods when the patient is fasting overnight. Overall, the choice of bedtime administration maximizes the benefits of ranitidine for managing acid-related disorders.