Zantac (Ranitidine hydrochloride) is a drug that blocks the action histamine has on the stomach cells and causes reduction in stomach acid production. This medication is used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, acid reflux and heartburn.

Zantac (Ranitidine hydrochloride) should be used as per the doctor’s instructions. Alternatively the instructions on the label should be followed for proper dosage instructions. The general dosage is 1-2 tablets a day. Sometimes a dosage of 4 tablets a day is prescribed to patients whose condition is severe. The drug can be had before or after meal. In case the patient is administering the drug only once a day, it has to be taken after dinner or at bedtime.

In case of patients who are self-administering this drug for treating heartburn or indigestion, dosage should not exceed 2 tablets in a 24-hour period. Also, medication should not be continued for more than 14 days at a stretch without consulting the doctor.

Dosage for children should be calculated according to their body weight.

Zantac (Ranitidine hydrochloride) may cause side effects in patients who are being administered the drug. Common but less serious side effects of the drug are as follows. These side effects usually go away within a few days, but in case they persist, consultation with a doctor is a must.

 Severe headache
 Trouble in sleeping
 Tenderness or enlargement of breasts in men
 Constipation or diarrhea
 Dizziness and drowsiness
 Impotence, decrease in sexual drive or difficulty in reaching orgasm
 Vomiting, nausea or stomach pain

The following side effects are serious but they are unlikely:

 Chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, coughing up yellow or green mucus
 Irregular heart beat
 Fever, severe headache, peeling of skin, red skin rash
 Unusual weakness, easy bruising or bleeding
 Vision problems
 Nausea, low fever, dark urine, jaundice, stomach pain, loss of appetite, clay-colored stools.

Zantac (Ranitidine hydrochloride) may cause drug interactions when co-administered with other medications. Special caution should be maintained in case of the following medications:

 Atazanavir
 Dasatinib
 Propantheline
 azole antifungals (for instance, itraconazole, Ketoconazole)
 metoprolol
 triazolam
 NSAIDs (for instance, ibuprofen, naproxen)
 Other H2 histamine blockers (for instance, cimetidine, famotidine)

Patients who are using this medication should be aware that certain lab tests conducted during the period of therapy may give false results.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking ranitidine.

Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Zantac (Ranitidine hydrochloride) is a Histamine-2 blocker and is used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, GER and Zollinger—Elllison syndrome. It is also known to be prescribed for treating and preventing acid reflux, stomach pain and heartburn.

Ranitidine is also used sometimes to treat upper gastrointestinal bleeding and to prevent stress ulcers, stomach damage from use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and aspiration of stomach acid during anesthesia. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Zantac (Ranitidine hydrochloride) should be stored at room temperature in a dry area. It should be kept out of reach of children and pets.

Zantac (Ranitidine hydrochloride) should be used by pregnant women only after consulting the doctor.

Patient suffering from liver disease, kidney disease, porphyria, asthma or tumor should consult the doctor before starting medication.