What is Zantac used for?
RANITIDINE is a type of antihistamine that blocks the release of a stomach acid. It is used for the treatment of stomach or intestinal ulcers. It can relieve ulcer pain and discomfort, and the heartburn from acid reflux.
What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking Zantac?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- phenylketonuria
- porphyria
- an unusual or allergic reaction to ranitidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How is Zantac should be taken?
Dissolve this medicine in 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of water just before putting it in the mouth. After the dose is dissolved, swallow all of the liquid to get the entire dose. Tablets should not be chewed, swallowed as a whole, or dissolved on the tongue. This medicine should be taken at the regular intervals. It should never be taken more often than prescribed. You shouldn’t stop the treatment course unless your physician specifically advised you to do so.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.
What to do if I missed a dose of Zantac?
If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.
What are the possible interactions of Zantac with the other medicine/food/etc?
- atazanavir
- delavirdine
- gefitinib
- glipizide
- ketoconazole
- midazolam
- procainamide
- propantheline
- triazolam
- warfarin
Provide your physician with a list of all the medicine, including herbs and non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you are using. Do let them know if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use any of the illegal drugs or drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine, causing undesired consequenses. Please always consult with your health care professional prior to stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking Zantac?
Let your doctor or health care professional know if your condition does not show signs of improvement or even gets worse. You may need to go on taking this medicine for several days, as prescribed, before your symptoms get better. Finish the full course of prescribed tablets, even if you feel better before the end of the treatment course.
Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation in your stomach and can lengthen the time it will take for the ulcers to heal. Cigarettes and alcohol can also make acid reflux or heartburn worse.
If you need to take an antacid you should take it at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after this medicine. This medicine will not be as effective if taken at the same time as an antacid.
If you get black, tarry stools or vomit up what looks like coffee grounds, call your doctor or health care professional right away. You may have a bleeding ulcer.
Does Zantac have any possible side effects?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- agitation, nervousness, depression, hallucinations
- allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching or hives,face, lips, or tongue swelling
- breast enlargement in both males and females
- issues with breathing
- redness, blistering, skin peeling or loosening, including inside the mouth
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual weakness or feeling tired
- vomiting
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- constipation or diarrhea
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea
This list may not include all possible side effects.
Where should I store Zantac?
Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.
This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). You should do your best to protect it from the light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.