What is Generic Zantac (Ranitidine)?
Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) is in a class of drugs called histamine receptor antagonists. Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.
What is Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) used for?
Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) is used to treat ulcers; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the food pipe (esophagus); and conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) has been effective in preventing ulcer recurrence when given in low doses for prolonged periods of time. In doses higher than that used in ulcer treatment, ranitidine has been helpful in treating heartburn and in healing ulcer and inflammation of the esophagus resulting from acid reflux (reflux esophagitis).
Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) Facts
Active ingredient: ranitidine hydrochloride
Other Ingredients: alcohol (7.5%), butylparaben, dibasic sodium phosphate, hypromellose,
peppermint flavor, monobasic potassium phosphate, propylparaben, purified water, saccharin sodium, sodium chloride, and sorbitol.
Class and mechanism: Histamine is a natural chemical that stimulates the stomach cells to
produce acid. Ranitidine belongs to a class of medications, called H2-blockers, that block the action of histamine on stomach cells, thus reducing stomach acid production.
Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) Storage
Keep this medication 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). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
How to take Generic Zantac (Ranitidine)?
Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) comes as a tablet, an effervescent tablet, effervescent granules, and a syrup to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day at bedtime or two to four times a day.
Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) may be taken with or without food. Since Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) is excreted by the kidney and metabolized by the liver, dosages of Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) need to be lowered in patients with significantly abnormal liver or kidney function. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Do not stop taking Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) without first talking to your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
In case of OVERDOSE, call your local poison control center
Who should not take Generic Zantac (Ranitidine)?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
- kidney disease;
- liver disease; or
- porphyria.
You may not be able to take Generic Zantac (Ranitidine), or you may require a dosage adjustmentor special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) passes into breast milk. Do not take Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What side effects may occur?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
- headache
- constipation
- diarrhea
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- stomach pain
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) and talk to your doctor if you experience
- dizziness;
- headache; or
- diarrhea, nausea, or constipation.
Drug Interactions
Do not take antacids within 1 hour of taking ranitidine. Antacids may decrease the effectiveness of Generic Zantac (Ranitidine).
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- triazolam (Halcion); or
- the anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin).
Generic Zantac (Ranitidine) may affect the actions of other medications by changing the acidity of the stomach. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines during treatment with Generic Zantac (Ranitidine).
Additional Information
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking Generic Zantac (Ranitidine). Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
