The drug Zantac is one of a group of drugs called histamine-2 blockers. The way Zantac and these other related drugs work is by reducing the amount of acid that your stomach produces. These type of drugs are available in either prescription or non-prescription versions.
Zantac is primarily prescribed for the treatment and prevention of stomach or intestinal ulcers. It is also used in treating conditions in which to much acid is being produced by the stomach. Conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) are also treatable with Zantac. Any other condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus thus causing heartburn also responds well to treatment with Zantac. The drug is also prescribed for conditions not listed in this medication guide.
What is the Most Important Thing I Should Know About Zantac?
Other conditions may affect how this drug works. Be certain you tell your doctor about any kidney or liver disease you may have. If you have Porphyria you would want to alert your doctor to your condition. Drug allergies should be discussed with your doctor as well. You would also want to inform your doctor as to what other prescription and over the counter drugs you may be taking.
Using Zantac may increase the risk of contracting pneumonia. You would want to be alert for the symptoms of pneumonia which are; fever, shortness of breath, chest pains, and coughing up green or yellow mucus. Talk to your doctor about your specific risks you may have of developing pneumonia.
Zantac comes in tablet and granule forms. The effervescent tablet form, as well as the granulated form, need to be dissolved in water before you take them. It is strongly recommended that you follow any directions you get for the proper use of the drug.
Your doctor may recommend an antacid to help in the relief of pain from your condition. It is important that you carefully follow your doctor’s directions about the type of antacid you should get, and when you should use them. It is also recommended that you avoid drinking alcoholic drinks, as they can increase the risk to damaging the stomach lining.
Relief is not instantaneous, it can take up to eight weeks before your ulcer begins to heal with the use of Zantac. For the best results you should use Zantac exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If your symptoms do not improve after six weeks of use, talk with your doctor.
What Should I Talk to My Doctor About Before Using Zantac?
As mentioned above, tell your doctor about any preexisting condition such as liver or kidney disease. If you are allergic to ranitidine then you should not use this medication. If you have liver or kidney disease, or porphyria, then specific test and dose adjustments will need to be made. The Zantac effervescent tablet contains phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of Zantac if you have Phenylketonuria (PKU).
Zantac is listed as a pregnancy category B drug. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn child. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant while using Zantac. Zantac does pass into breast milk, so do not take it without discussing it with your doctor if you are breast feeding.