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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.