Zantac
Brand
name:Zantac
Pronounced: ZAN-tac
Generic name: Ranitidine hydrochloride
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Why
is Zantac prescribed?
Zantac
is prescribed for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of
active duodenal ulcer and active benign gastric ulcer, and as
maintenance therapy for gastric or duodenal ulcer, at a reduced
dosage, after the ulcer has healed. It is also used for the
treatment of conditions in which the stomach produces too much
acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and systemic mastocytosis,
for gastroesophageal reflux disease (backflow of acid stomach
contents) and for healing--and maintaining healing of--erosive
esophagitis (severe inflammation of the esophagus).
Some
doctors prescribe Ranitidine hydrochloride to prevent damage
to the stomach and duodenum from long-term use of nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs such as Indocin and Motrin, and to treat
bleeding of the stomach and intestine. Ranitidine hydrochloride
is also sometimes prescribed for stress-induced ulcers.
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Most
important fact about Zantac
Ranitidine
hydrochloride helps to prevent the recurrence of gastric or
duodenal ulcers and aids the healing of ulcers that do occur.
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How
should you take Zantac?
Take
Ranitidine hydrochloride exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Make sure you follow the diet your doctor recommends.
Dissolve
"Efferdose" tablets and granules in 6 to 8 ounces
of water before taking them.
You
can take an antacid for pain while you are taking Zantac.
—If
you miss a dose…
Take
it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Never take 2 doses at the same time.
—Storage
instructions…
Store
Ranitidine hydrochloride at room temperature in the container
it came in, tightly closed and away from moist places and direct
light. Keep Zantac Syrup from freezing.
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What
side effects may occur?
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.
More
common side effects may include:
Headache, sometimes severe
Less
common or rare side effects may include:
Abdominal discomfort and pain, agitation, changes in blood count
(anemia), changes in liver function, constipation, depression,
diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, hair loss, hallucinations,
heart block, hepatitis, hypersensitivity reactions, inflamed
blood vessels, inflammation of the pancreas, involuntary movements,
irregular heartbeat, jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin),
joint pain, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat,
rash, reduced white blood cells, reversible mental confusion,
severe allergic reactions, sleepiness, slow heartbeat, swollen
face and throat, vague feeling of bodily discomfort, vertigo,
yellow eyes and skin
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Why
should Zantac not be prescribed?
If
you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to
Zantac or similar drugs such as Tagamet, you should not take
Ranitidine hydrochloride. Make sure that your doctor is aware
of any drug reactions that you have experienced.
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Special
warnings about Zantac
A
stomach malignancy could be present, even if your symptoms have
been relieved by Zantac.
If
you have kidney or liver disease, this drug should be used with
caution.
If
you have phenylketonuria, you should be aware that the "Efferdose"
tablets and granules contain phenylalanine.
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Possible
food and drug interactions
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)
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Special
information
The effects of Zantac in pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform
your doctor immediately. Zantac appears in breast milk and could
affect a nursing infant. If Ranitidine hydrochloride is essential
to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding
until your treatment with Ranitidine hydrochloride is finished.
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Recommended
dosage
ADULTS
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Active Duodenal Ulcer
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.
Other
Excess Acid Conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome)
The
usual dose is 150 milligrams or 10 milliliters (2 teaspoonfuls)
2 times a day. This dose can be adjusted upwards by your doctor.
Benign
Gastric Ulcer and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
The
usual dose is 150 milligrams or 10 milliliters (2 teaspoonfuls)
2 times a day. Once an ulcer has cleared up, a single bedtime
dose is prescribed to maintain healing. Symptoms of GERD generally
improve within 24 hours after the start of therapy.
Erosive
Esophagitis
The
usual dose is 150 milligrams or 10 milliliters (2 teaspoonfuls)
4 times a day. Maintenance dosage is 150 milligrams or 10 milliliters
(2 teaspoonfuls) twice a day.
CHILDREN
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Duodenal and Gastric Ulcers
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.
Gastroesophageal
Reflux Disease (GERD) and Erosive Esophagitis
For
children 1 month to 16 years of age, the usual daily dosage
is 5 to 10 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided
into two doses.
OLDER
ADULTS
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People with kidney problems, such as some older adults, typically
are given a lower dose. During the therapy with Zantac, the doctor
is also more likely to monitor your kidney function if you're
over 65.
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Overdosage
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.
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