Zantac syrup (Ranitidine)

What is Zantac syrup?

Zantac belongs to a class of drugs known as histamine-2 blockers.

What is Zantac syrup used for?

Zantac is indicated for the prevention and treatment of stomach and intestinal ulcers. It also helps treat Zollinger - Ellison syndrome, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and heartburn.

How does Zantac syrup work?

Zantac provides relief to the stomach by lowering the amount of acid produced by the stomach.

How to use Zantac syrup

Zantac should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Do not take this medicine for more than the recommended duration or dosage.

You must take Zantac tablets with a full glass of water about an hour before eating food. It can also be taken with food. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew, crush or break the tablet unless directed by the doctor.

Do not take the medicine more than 2 times in a day. Zantac granules and effervescent tablets must be dissolved in water before you take them. While giving this medicine to a child, you may extract the medicine in a dropper and empty it into the child’s mouth.

If you are taking the liquid suspension, measure the liquid form of Zantac with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon.

Zantac syrup warnings and precautions

Do not take Zantac if you are allergic to ranitidine or if you have porphyria, liver or kidney disease.

Before taking Zantac remember to tell your doctor if you had suffered from pneumonia or phenylketonuria. Abstain from alcohol.

Although this medication is unlikely to cause harm to an unborn baby, pregnant females should consult their doctors before taking Zantac. Lactating women should not take this medicine unless prescribed by a registered medical practitioner as it is known to pass into breast milk and could cause harm to a nursing infant.

What do I do if I have missed a Zantac syrup dose?

If you have missed your Zantac dose, take it when you remember. However, if it s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your routine. Do not take an extra dose just to make up for the missed one.

What do I do if I have taken a Zantac syrup overdose?

If you have taken a Zantac overdose you should seek medical attention.

Zantac syrup interactions

Before taking Zantac, inform your doctors about all the prescribed and non prescribed medicines, herbal concoctions, diet aids etc you have been taking and might need to continue taking in tandem with Zantac. This is essential especially if you are taking propantheline, triazolam, warfarin, procainamide, atazanavir, gefitinib, glipizide, raltegravir, dastinib, delavirdine, azole antifungals.

Also, do not start taking any new medicine without telling your doctor.

Zantac syrup side effects

Zantac side effects include hives, stomach ache, nausea, loss of appetite, low fever, dark colored urine, clay colored stools, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up yellow or green mucus, unusual weakness, slow or fast heart rate, bleeding, bruising, sore throat, headache, breathing difficulty; swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Zantac, contact your doctor immediately.

Mild headache, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia (sleep problems/ lack of sleep), impotence, decreased sexual interest, difficulty having an orgasm, swollen or tender breasts in men, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and stomach ache are some less serious side effects of Zantac.