Drug Name

Zantac (Ranitidine)

Drug Uses

Zantac is used for treating certain conditions that cause your body to make too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). It is also used to treat ulcers of the small intestine that have not responded to other treatment. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Zantacas directed by your doctor.

• Zantac may be taken by mouth with or without food.
• Swallow Zantac whole. Do not crush or chew before swallowing.
• Continue to take Zantac even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Taking Zantac at the same time each day will help you to remember to take it.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Zantac is an H2 receptor blocker. It works by blocking the action of histamine in the stomach. This reduces the amount of acid the stomach makes. Reducing stomach acid helps to reduce heartburn, to heal irritation of the esophagus, and to heal ulcers of the stomach or intestines.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Zantac, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Zantac between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zantac out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Zantac if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Zantac;
• you have a history of porphyria (a blood disease).

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Zantac may interfere with certain lab tests, including urine protein tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Ranitidine.
• Lab tests, including liver function, may be performed while you use Zantac. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Zantac should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 1 month old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zantac while you are pregnant. Zantac is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Zantac.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; diarrhea; headache; nausea; stomach upset.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); confusion; dark urine; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; severe or persistent headache or stomach pain; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

More Information

Zantac is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.