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Home » Heartburn and Acid Reflux » Ranitidine / Zantac
Ranitidine
Generic name: Ranitidine
Brand names: Zinetac and Zantac
Manufacturer: Various
Ranitidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist that inhibits stomach acid production. It is commonly used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
This drug is shipped in blisters.
More Ranitidine information
Zantac
Brand name: Zantac
Generic name: Ranitidine
Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline
What is Zantac?
Zantac is in a group of drugs called histamine-2 blockers. Zantac works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces.
Zantac is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also treats conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Zantac also treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
Zantac may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Zantac?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or porphyria.
Using Zantac may increase your risk of developing pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia include chest pain, fever, feeling short of breath, and coughing up green or yellow mucus. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of developing pneumonia.
Zantac granules and effervescent tablets must be dissolved in water before you take them.
Your doctor may recommend an antacid to help relieve pain. Carefully follow your doctor's directions about the type of antacid to use, and when to use it. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of damage to your stomach. It may take up to 8 weeks of using this medicine before your ulcer heals. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Zantac?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ranitidine.
Before using Zantac, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- kidney disease;
liver disease; or
porphyria.
If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Zantac.
The Zantac effervescent tablet may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of Zantac if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Zantac passes into breast milk. Do not take Zantac without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Using Zantac may increase your risk of developing pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia include chest pain, fever, feeling short of breath, and coughing up green or yellow mucus. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of developing pneumonia.
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