Ranitidine hydrochloride has been extensively used in the treatment of diverse gastrointestinal disorders. This drug is a selective, competitive histamine H2-receptor antagonist and established as a potent inhibitor of gastric acid secretion. Owing to its favourable efficacy and tolerability profiles, this drug has emerged as a first-line agent when suppression of gastric acid secretion is indicated. The current manuscript provides an updated account on the physicochemical aspects, analytical methodologies, clinical studies, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions and adverse effects of ranitidine hydrochloride.