Brand name: Zantac
Pronounced: ZAN-tac
Generic name: Ranitidine hydrochloride
Why is Zantac prescribed?
Zantac is used to decrease the production of stomach acid, which may
reduce irritation to the stomach lining and help heal ulcers and other
gastrointestinal conditions. It's prescribed for the following:
* Short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of active ulcers, specifically
duodenal ulcers or benign stomach ulcers (also called gastric ulcers).
* Maintenance therapy (at a reduced dosage) to help keep the ulcer from coming
back after it has healed.
* Treatment of conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such
as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and systemic mastocytosis.
* Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD, which occurs
when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus).
* Treating and maintaining healing of erosive esophagitis (severe inflammation
of the esophagus).
Over-the-counter versions of Zantac are also available for relieving
and preventing heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour
stomach. However, the prescription version is still needed for treatment
of ulcers, esophagitis, GERD, and other conditions that require monitoring
by a doctor.
Most important fact about Zantac without Rx/Prescriptions.
Zantac helps to prevent the recurrence of stomach or duodenal ulcers
and aids the healing of ulcers that do occur.
How should you take Zantac?
Take Zantac exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Make sure you follow
the diet your doctor recommends.
Dissolve "Efferdose" tablets and granules in 6 to 8 ounces
of water before taking them.
You can take an antacid for pain while you are taking Zantac.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Never take 2 doses at the same time.
Storage instructions
Store Zantac at room temperature in the container it came in, tightly
closed and away from moist places and direct light. Keep Zantac Syrup
from freezing.
Zantac side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Zantac.
* Side effects may include:
Headache, sometimes severe
Why should Zantac not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Zantac
or similar drugs such as Tagamet, you should not take this medication.
Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you
have experienced.
Special warnings about Zantac
A stomach malignancy could be present, even if your symptoms have
been relieved by Zantac.
If you have kidney or liver disease, Zantac should be used with caution.
If you have phenylketonuria, you should be aware that the "Efferdose" tablets
and granules contain phenylalanine.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zantac
If Zantac is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Zantac with the following:
Alcohol
Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin
Diazepam (Valium)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Enoxacin (Penetrex)
Glipizide (Glucotrol)
Glyburide (DiaBeta, Micronase)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Metformin (Glucophage)
Nifedipine (Procardia)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Procainamide (Procan SR)
Sucralfate (Carafate)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Triazolam (Halcion)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Zantac in pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. Zantac appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing
infant. If Zantac is essential to your health, your doctor may advise
you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Zantac is
finished.
Recommended dosage for Zantac
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Information concerning Zantac overdosage is limited. However, an abnormal
manner of walking, low blood pressure, and exaggerated side effect
symptoms may be signs of an overdose.
If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately.
