Zantac 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 Oral is available with and without a
prescription.
Ranitidine
Oral is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
How
should Zantac be used?
Zantac
comes as a hard tablet, an effervescent tablet, granule packets,
and liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken once daily at bedtime
or twice a day with or without food. Swallow Ranitidine Oral hard
tablets whole, do not chew, and take with water. Dissolve Ranitidine
Oral effervescent tablets and granules in a full glass (6-8 ounces)
of water. Follow the directions on the package or 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. If symptoms of heartburn, acid indigestion, or sour
stomach last longer than 2 weeks while taking Ranitidine Oral, stop
taking it and call your doctor.
Before taking Ranitidine Oral,
- 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 triazolam (Halcion) and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease
or acute porphyria.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Ranitidine
Oral, call your doctor.
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.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
- headache
- dizziness
- constipation
- diarrhea
- stomach pain 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). The liquid may be kept in
the refrigerator, but do not let it freeze. Throw away any medication
that is outdated or no longer needed, and throw away liquid Zantac
after 30 days. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of
your medication.
What
other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may order
certain lab tests to check your body's response to Ranitidine Oral.
Do
not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about refilling your prescription.