Zantac Drug Information | Usage | Interactions and Side Effects
Zantac (Ranitidine hydrochloride) 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.
Zantac also marketed as:
Alquen, Ranitidine, Taladine, Zinetac.
*Zantac® is a registered trademark of GSK.
Uses
Generic Zantac (ranitidine) belongs to a group of drugs called histamine-2 blockers. Zantac works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces.
Generic 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.
How to take
Take Generic Zantac exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
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.
Do not crush, chew, or break the Generic Zantac effervescent tablet, and do not allow it to dissolve on your tongue.
Side effects
Stop using Generic Zantac and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Generic Zantac: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking Generic Zantac and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
chest pain, fever, feeling short of breath, coughing up green or yellow mucus;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
fast or slow heart rate;
problems with your vision;
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious Generic Zantac side effects may include:
headache (may be severe);
drowsiness, dizziness;
sleep problems (insomnia);
decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; or
swollen or tender breasts (in men);
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or
diarrhea or constipation.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
Precautions
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take Generic Zantac if you have:
kidney disease;
liver disease; or
porphyria.
Do not use Generic Zantac if you are allergic to ranitidine.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of damage to your stomach.
Drug interactions
Before taking Generic Zantac, tell your doctor if you are taking triazolam (Halcion). You may not be able to use Generic Zantac, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs that can interact with Generic Zantac. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double-up the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.