Zantac unavailable

Zantac (ranitidine) was withdrawn in October 2019. There is an ongoing investigation into the contaminant N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) which has genotoxic and carcinogenic potential and it is unclear if and when production will start again (as at December 2023) Losec (omeprazole), Nexium (esomeprazole), pantoprazole can be taken as an alternative. Further details.

Zantac (ranitidine)

Ranitidine reduces the production of stomach acid and symptoms of acid reflux. Available to buy online from Dr Fox.

Start order

Buy Zantac (ranitidine) online

  1. Read medical information about acid reflux treatment
  2. Answer medical questions to check for eligibility
  3. Reviewed by doctors - posted from UK pharmacy

Prices

Acid reflux/indigestion treatment Quantity Cost
Zantac (ranitidine) 150mg 30 tablets (half pack) £7.95
Zantac (ranitidine) 150mg 60 tablets £11.95

Prescription fees

Dr Fox supplies medicine on prescription and charges a small prescription fee based on the order value of each prescription.

Prescriptions are issued by our doctors online and sent electronically to our pharmacy.

Order value Prescription fee
up to £10 £1.00
up to £20 £2.00
up to £40 £3.00
over £40 £4.00

If you have your own private paper prescription please post to our pharmacy (details).

Dr Fox prices are 25%–50% lower than other UK online clinics.

Delivery charges

UK delivery only: £2.90 per consultation via Royal Mail Tracked 24 Signed For (1-2 working days with tracking).

Parcel forwarding services are not permitted. Use only UK home or work delivery address.

Returns and refunds - unwanted items can be returned within 14 working days for a full refund.


About Zantac (ranitidine)

What is Zantac (ranitidine)?

Zantac is a brand name for a medicine called ranitidine, the active ingredient.

Ranitidine is a type of medicine called an H2 antagonist.

Zantac (ranitidine) has been in use for more than thirty-five years, and has been shown to be a safe, effective treatment with an excellent safety profile. It is licensed to treat symptoms of acid reflux/heartburn, and a range of other gastric and duodenal conditions.

See also NHS - Ranitidine.

How does ranitidine relieve acid reflux/indigestion?

Ranitidine works by stopping the production of stomach acid. Because this acidity is reduced, symptoms such as acid reflux and heartburn improve.

Ranitidine is also effective, when combined with antibiotics, in treating duodenal ulcers associated with H. Pylori. This is a bacterium sometimes found in the stomach, and associated with the development of gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and gastric cancer.

How to take Zantac (ranitidine)

  • Take one 150mg tablet once or twice a day, with or without food.
  • Swallow tablets whole, with a glass of water, milk, or juice. They should not be chewed or crushed.

Who might be suitable for ranitidine?

Zantac (ranitidine) is licensed to treat adults, aged over 18, with:

  • Duodenal and gastric ulcers, treatment and prevention
  • H. Pylori infection
  • Reflux esophagitis, treatment and prevention - commonly known as acid reflux/heartburn
  • Gastro-esophaeal reflux disease (GORD)
  • Zollinger Ellison Syndrome

How soon is ranitidine effective?

Heartburn and indigestion symptoms should be relieved within an hour or so of taking ranitidine and its effects last for about 12 hours. For best effects follow the instructions carefully on how to take it - see above or read the patient leaflet supplied in packs.

Who is not suitable for ranitidine?

During treatment with ranitidine you must seek urgent medical attention if symptoms develop such as:

  • Unintended weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Blood in your vomit
  • Dark, tarry stools

What are the most common side effects of ranitidine?

Side effects are uncommon, but can occur as they can with any medication.

Uncommon side effects (1 in 100 users)

  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation
  • Feeling sick

Rare side effects (1 in 1,000 users)

  • Skin rash
  • Abnormal kidney and/or liver function tests

Very rare side effects (1 in 10,000 users)

  • Fatigue
  • Easy bruising of the skin
  • Depression
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Headache (sometimes severe)
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Painful muscles and joints
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Yellow jaundice
  • Hair loss
  • Diarrhoea
  • Erectile dysfunction

Are there any drugs which might interact with ranitidine?

Ranitidine may lead to a decrease or an increase in the levels of certain drugs in your blood stream.

Ranitidine may lead to a decrease in certain drug levels in your blood stream:

  • Ketoconazole
  • Atazanavir
  • Delavridine
  • Gefitnib
  • Sucralfate

Ranitidine may lead to a increase in certain drug levels in your blood stream:

  • Procainimide
  • N-acetyl procainimide
  • Triazolam
  • Midazolam
  • Glipizide

Any special warnings/precautions for use?

  • If you are taking ranitidine long term, along with Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatories (NSAIDs) e.g. ibuprofen, close monitoring is recommended.
  • You should not ranitidine if you have had acute porphyria.
  • As ranitidine is excreted via the kidneys, if you have renal failure the dose may need to be reduced.
  • In elderly patients, those with diabetes or lowered immunity, there may be an increased risk of pneumonia in ranitidine users.

Is ranitidine safe in pregnancy and/or breast feeding?

No adverse effects have been noted, but it is always important to only take medication in pregnancy and when breast feeding if absolutely necessary.

When would taking ranitidine become an emergency?

If you have any symptoms or signs suggestive of an acute allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), you must get help immediately by phoning 999.

Symptoms/signs of an acute allergic reaction include:

  • Difficulty breathing, tight chest, wheezing
  • Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • Skin rash - urticaria/hives
  • Confusion, collapse, unconsciousness

For more information see NHS - Anaphylaxis.

Is ranitidine only available on prescription?

Ranitidine 150mg strength and above is prescription only medicine in the UK. Lower strength 75mg is available from pharmacies without prescription.

Patient Information Leaflet

Illustration of patient leaflet from medicine packet

The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine and must be read before taking the medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine.

Ranitidine 150mg Patient Information Leaflet (no longer available)

Dr Tony Steele

Authored 12 February 2019 by Dr Tony Steele
MB ChB Sheffield University 1983. Former hospital doctor and GP. GMC no. 2825328

Reviewed by Dr B. Babor, Dr A. Wood
Last reviewed 19 February 2019
Last updated 18 March 2024

References


The order process

Answer short medical questionnaire

Choose medication, register, and pay

Dr Fox issues prescription online

Pharmacy team post medication direct


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