Zantac Medication - Uses & Side Effects

RANITIDINE (Zantac®) is a type of antihistamine that blocks the release of stomach acid. Ranitidine is used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers. It can relieve ulcer pain and discomfort, and the heartburn from acid reflux. Generic ranitidine tablets and capsules are available.It's prescribed for the following:

• Short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of active ulcers, specifically duodenal ulcers or benign stomach ulcers (also called gastric ulcers).
• Maintenance therapy (at a reduced dosage) to help keep the ulcer from coming back after it has healed.
• Treatment of conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and systemic mastocytosis.
• Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD, which occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus).
• Treating and maintaining healing of erosive esophagitis (severe inflammation of the esophagus).

Zantac Dosage

• The usual starting dose is 150 milligrams 2 times a day or 10 milliliters (2 teaspoonfuls) 2 times a day. Your doctor also might prescribe 300 milligrams or 20 milliliters (4 teaspoonfuls) once a day, after the evening meal or at bedtime, if necessary for your convenience. The dose should be the lowest effective dose. Long-term use should be reduced to a daily total of 150 milligrams or 10 milliliters (2 teaspoonfuls), taken at bedtime.
• For children 1 month to 16 years of age, the recommended dosage for initial treatment is 2 to 4 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day twice daily up to a maximum of 300 milligrams per day. For long-term maintenance of healing, the recommendation is 2 to 4 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight once daily up to a maximum of 150 milligrams per day.

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 listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Uses of Zantac

• Zantac 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 is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Zantac is also used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid and conditions in which acid comes up into the esophagus and causes heartburn, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Zantac may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.
• Zantac is also used to treat Zollinger-Ellison disease and scleroderma oesophagitis.
  

Side Effects of Zantac

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Zantac. Side effects may include:

• Headache
• sometimes severe

Warnings and precautions before taking Zantac:

• A stomach malignancy could be present, even if your symptoms have been relieved by Zantac.
• If you have kidney or liver disease, Zantac should be used with caution.
• If you have phenylketonuria, you should be aware that the "Efferdose" tablets and granules contain phenylalanine.

Drug Interaction :- If Zantac is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Zantac with the following:

• Alcohol
  
• Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin
  
• Diazepam (Valium)
  
• Diltiazem (Cardizem)
  
• Enoxacin (Penetrex)
  
• Glipizide (Glucotrol)
  
• Glyburide (DiaBeta, Micronase)
  
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
  
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
  
• Metformin (Glucophage)
  
• Nifedipine (Procardia)
  
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
  
• Procainamide (Procan SR)
  
• Sucralfate (Carafate)
  
• Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
  
• Triazolam (Halcion)

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Information concerning Zantac overdosage is limited. However, an abnormal manner of walking, low blood pressure, and exaggerated side effect symptoms may be signs of an overdose. If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately. Symptoms of a Zantac overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased saliva production, difficulty breathing, and a fast heartbeat.