The electrochemical reduction reaction of ranitidine, an antileprotic drug, was studied in an aqueous potassium chloride buffer with a stationary glassy carbon electrode. Cyclic voltammetric studies showed a well-defined reduction peak in the potential range from 0.0 to -1.8 V at pH values ranging from 1.0 to 11.0. The reduction was irreversible and has exhibited a diffusion-controlled adsorption. Controlled potential coulometry revealed four electron reductions with a total charge consumption of 785 mu C. A systematic study of the experimental parameters that affected the square wave stripping response was carried out, and the conditions were optimized. A calibration plot was derived for the determination of the compound. The best determination range was obtained between 0.033 and 3.33 mg/L ranitidine with a relative standard deviation (n = 10) of 3 ppt (0.3%). Analytical applicability of the method was verified by the determination of ranitidine in tablets, dosing of drugs, gene profiling, monitoring of biologically important metabolites and urine samples. Also these techniques could make easier many arduous procedures such as in-situ assessment of weapons or toxic substances, environment pollution and others. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.