Ranitidine Accumulation in Patients Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis

Ranitidine accumulation was assessed in 20 patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis following oral daily doses of 150 mg ranitidine for 10 days. Serum ranitidine concentrations prior to dialysis were 191 ± 115 mcg/l and 207 ±172 mcg/l for patients dialyzed three and two times per week, respectively. The amount of ranitidine recovered in the dialysate during the final dialysis session of the study was negligible and ranged from 308–3036 mcg, representing less than 3% of the administered dose. Clearance by hemodialysis was 3.0 ± 1.1 1/hr. Once daily dosing of 150 mg ranitidine does not result in excessive accumulation, and drug loss during hemodialysis is small. These data suggest that supplemental dosing after hemodialysis is not indicated.