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Zantac |
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Form.
Tablets: 150 milligrams,
Tablets: 300 milligrams;
Capsules: 150 milligrams;
Syrup: 15 milligrams/ milliliters.
No Prescription
Zantac blocks the action of histamine on stomach cells, and reduces stomach acid production.
Zantac is prescribed in promoting healing of stomach and duodenal ulcers, and in reducing ulcer pain.
Zantac is prescribed in preventing ulcer recurrence when given in low doses for prolonged periods of time. In doses
higher than that prescribed in ulcer treatment, Zantac has been helpful in
treating heartburn and in healing ulcer and inflammation of the esophagus resulting from acid reflux (reflux esophagitis).
Zantac is prescribed to decrease the production of stomach acid, which may reduce irritation to the stomach lining and help heal ulcers and other gastrointestinal conditions. It's prescribed for the following:
- Treatment Of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Also Known As Gerd Which Occurs When Stomach Acid Backs Up Into The Esophagus).;
- Treatment Of Conditions In Which The Stomach Produces Too Much Acid Such As Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome And Systemic Mastocytosis.;
- Treating And Maintaining Healing Of Erosive Esophagitis (Severe Inflammation Of The Esophagus).;
- Short-Term Treatment (4 To 8 Weeks) Of Active Ulcers Specifically Duodenal Ulcers Or Benign Stomach Ulcers (Also Called Gastric Ulcers).;
- Maintenance Therapy (At A Reduced Dosage) To Help Keep The Ulcer From Coming Back After It Has Healed.;
Over-the-counter versions of Zantac are also available for relieving and preventing heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach. However, the script version is still needed for treatment of ulcers, esophagitis, GERD, and other conditions that require monitoring by a doctor.
Dosage.
May be taken with or without food. Since Zantac is excreted by the kidney and metabolized by the liver, dosages of Zantac need to be lowered in patients with significantly abnormal liver or kidney function.
ADULTS
Active Duodenal Ulcer
The usual starting dose is 150 mg 2 times a day or 10 ml (2 teaspoonfuls) 2 times a day. Your doctor also might prescribe 300 mg or 20 ml (4 teaspoonfuls) once a day, after the evening meal or at bedtime, if necessary for your convenience. The dose should be the lowest effective dose. Long-term use should be reduced to a daily total of 150 mg or 10 ml (2 teaspoonfuls), taken at bedtime.
Other Excess Acid Conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome)
The usual dose is 150 mg or 10 ml (2 teaspoonfuls) 2 times a day. This dose can be adjusted upwards by your doctor.
Benign Stomach Ulcer and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
The usual dose is 150 mg or 10 ml (2 teaspoonfuls) 2 times a day. Once an ulcer has cleared up, a single bedtime dose is prescribed to maintain healing. Symptoms of GERD generally improve within 24 hours after the start of therapy.
Erosive Esophagitis
The usual dose is 150 mg or 10 ml (2 teaspoonfuls) 4 times a day. Maintenance dosage is 150 mg or 10 ml (2 teaspoonfuls) twice a day.
CHILDREN
Duodenal and Stomach Ulcers
For children 1 month to 16 years of age, the recommended dosage for initial treatment is 2 to 4 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day twice daily up to a maximum of 300 mg per day. For long-term maintenance of healing, the recommendation is 2 to 4 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight once daily up to a maximum of 150 mg per day.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Erosive Esophagitis
For children 1 month to 16 years of age, the usual daily dosage is 5 to 10 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided into two doses.
OLDER ADULTS
People with kidney problems, such as some older adults, typically are given a lower dose. During the therapy with Zantac, the doctor is also more likely to monitor your kidney function if you're over 65.
Side Effects.
Minor side effects include:
- Vomiting;
- Nausea;
- Muscle pain;
- Insomnia;
- Headache;
- Fatigue;
- Diarrhea;
- Constipation;
Major side effects are rare they include:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes;
- Visual changes;
- Rash;
- Irregular heartbeat;
- Hallucinations;
- Hair loss;
- Easy bruising or bleeding;
- Depression;
- Confusion;
- Anemia;
- Agitation;
Zantac side effects that you should report to your health care professional or doctor as soon as possible:
- Sometimes Severe;
- Headache;
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