Zantac is used to cure gastrointestinal conditions like gastro esophageal reflux disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and systemic mastocytosis, erosive esophagitis and is also used in the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of active ulcers.
Ensure that you take Zantac exactly as prescribed by your doctor and follow any specific dietary instructions given. Your doctor may prescribe an antacid along with it. Ensure that you space out both medicines by at least an hour.
You should try and take your doses on time taking care not to miss any. But if you do miss a dose, then skip it and continue with your regular dose. But do not take a double dose.
Store it at room temperature in a tight container protecting it from light and moisture.
An abnormal manner of walking, low blood pressure, fast heartbeat, restlessness and vomiting are some of the symptoms of an overdose. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.
Use with caution if you have kidney or liver disease. The drug may cause light-headedness, dizziness, and faintness in some people. Do not consume alcohol along with the drug. Do not drive or handle heavy machinery until you know how to react to the drug.
Do not use Zantac if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Zantac;
you have a history of porphyria (a blood disease).
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Zantac may interfere with certain lab tests, including urine protein tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Ranitidine.
Lab tests, including liver function, may be performed while you use Zantac. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Zantac should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 1 month old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zantac while you are pregnant. Zantac is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Zantac.
Possible Side Effects
Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
constipation; diarrhea; headache; nausea; stomach upset.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); confusion; dark urine; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; severe or persistent headache or stomach pain; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Zantac is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.