Zantac (Ranitidine)

General information

Zantac belongs to the class of medications called H2-antagonists. Its main component is ranitidine. Ranitidine is used to reduce the amount of acid secreted by the stomach in order to reduce ulcer and heartburn pain or to assist in healing of ulcers. It is used to treat stomach and duodenal (intestinal) ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Ranitidine is also used to prevent ulcers in certain circumstances and to treat a condition associated with large amounts of stomach acid secretion known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It can also be used to prevent acid indigestion, heartburn, or upset stomach when they are associated with eating food or drinking beverages.

Directions

Take Zantac exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may recommend an antacid to help relieve pain. The recommended adult dose ranges from 150 mg daily to 300 mg twice daily. It may be taken with or without food. The maximum dose is 300 mg every 24 hours.

Precautions

Before taking Zantac you should talk with your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, porphyria, if you are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Using Zantac may increase your risk of developing pneumonia. It is not recommended in children under 16 years of age.

Contraindications

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ranitidine, any ingredients of the medication, or any other H2-antagonist (cimetidine, famotidine). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have fast or slow heart rate, nausea, swelling of your face, lips, unusual weakness, chest pain, stomach pain, fever, dark urine, loss of appetite, hives, red skin rash, difficulty breathing, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), problems with your vision. Less serious Zantac side effects may include: severe headache, sleep problems, vomiting, drowsiness, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, decreased sex drive, impotence. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: ketoconazole, itraconazole, atazanavir, dasatinib, sucralfate, elavirdine, erlotinib, posaconazole, mesalamine. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are fainting, lack of coordination, feeling light-headed.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.