Zantac

Common Name: ranitidine

How does Zantac work?

Ranitidine belongs to the class of medications called H2 -antagonists. 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 and damage caused by gastroesophogeal 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. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Zantac?

The recommended adult dose of ranitidine ranges from 150 mg daily to 300 mg twice daily depending on the condition being treated. Ranitidine may be taken with or without food. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not double-up on doses.

What form(s) does Zantac come in?

Zantac® is available in an injectable, liquid, and tablet form. Injection: Each mL of solution for intravenous or intramuscular injection contains ranitidine 25 mg in sterile water for injection. Nonmedicinal ingredients: disodium hydrogen orthophosphate, phenol, and potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate. The unit dose is available as colourless, glass vials of 2 mL. The multidose is available as colourless, glass vials of 40 mL. Liquid: Each 5 mL of clear, peppermint-flavoured solution contains ranitidine 75 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: alcohol (7.5% w/v), butylparaben, dibasic sodium phosphate, flavour mint, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, monobasic potassium phosphate, propylparaben, sodium chloride, sodium cyclamate, and sorbitol. Tablets: 150 mg: Each white, round, film-coated tablet, engraved "ZANTAC 150" on one side and "GLAXO" on the other, contains 150 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; film-coating suspension: dichloromethane, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.. The 150 mg tablets do not contain gluten or tartrazine. 300 mg: Each white, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablet, engraved "ZANTAC 300" on one side and "GLAXO" on the other, contains ranitidine 300 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; film-coating suspension: dichloromethane, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, titanium dioxide, and triacetin. The 300 mg tablets do not contain gluten or tartrazine.

What should I NOT take with Zantac?

Ranitidine should not be taken by anyone with an allergy to: ranitidine or any other H2 antagonist (e.g., cimetidine, famotidine) any of the ingredients of the medication

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Zantac?

Kidney function: In cases of impaired kidney function, the ranitidine dose should be reduced as recommended by your doctor. Pregnancy: The safety of ranitidine for use by pregnant women has not been established. This medication is recommended for use during pregnancy only if absolutely necessary. Breast-feeding: Ranitidine passes into breast milk. Speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of breast-feeding while using this medication. Children: Experience with ranitidine use by children is limited. However, it has been used successfully by children aged 8 to 18 years in oral (by mouth) doses up to 150 mg twice daily.