 Zantac Zantac (Ranitidine) is used to treat and prevent the recurrence of ulcers and to treat other conditions where the stomach makes too much acid. Zantac also is used to treat or prevent occasional heartburn, acid indigestion, or sour stomach. It decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach. Ranitidine is available with and without a prescription.
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ZANTAC DRUG INFO
Why is Zantac prescribed?
Zantac (Ranitidine bismuth) is used to treat intestinal ulcers. It helps fight infection by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which often occurs with ulcers. Treating this infection helps keep ulcers from coming back. It is used in combination with other medicines.
Zantac is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should Zantac be used?
Zantac comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice a day with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Zantac exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Zantac must be used for at least 4 weeks to treat your ulcer completely. Continue to take Zantac even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Zantac without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking Zantac,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Zantac or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin, antacids, and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney, blood, or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Zantac, call your doctor.
- tell your doctor if you have ever taken Zantac or any other medicine to treat ulcers. If your ulcer symptoms do not get better in the first few days, tell your doctor. You may need to take a different medicine.
ZANTAC DRUG INFO
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can Zantac cause?
Although side effects from Zantac are not common, they can occur. Darkening of the tongue and stool is temporary and harmless. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- dizziness
- change in sense of taste
- constipation
- stomach pain
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- bloody, black, or tarry stools
- fever
- sore throat
- mental confusion
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
What storage conditions are needed for Zantac?
Keep Zantac in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control
center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed
or is not breathing, call local emergency services at
911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to Zantac.
Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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