ZANTAC - Ranitidine

Zantac Used For

Zantac (Ranitidine) is a histamine receptor antagonist drug that is prescribed for treatment of and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Zantac is also used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid and conditions in which acid comes up into the esophagus and causes heartburn, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Directions for Zantac

Following is the recommended dose of Zantac for the treatment of various conditions: To treat duodenal ulcers, older adults, adults, and teenagers can be given 150 mg two times a day. Some patients can also be administered 300 mg once a day at bedtime. Children can be given 2 to 4 mg per kg of body weight per day, usually as two divided doses. However, the total dose should not exceed 300 mg a day. For prevention of duodenal ulcers, older adults, adults, and teenagers can be given 150 mg at bedtime, while the dose of children should be determined by the doctor. To treat gastric ulcers in older adults, adults, and teenagers, 150 mg of Zantac can be given two times a day. Children may be given 2 to 4 mg per kg of body weight per day, usually in the form of two divided doses. The total dose should not exceed 300 mg a day for anyone. For the treatment of heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach, adults and teenagers can be given 150 mg of Zantac with water water when symptoms start with a repeat dose once in 24 hours. More than 300 mg of Zantac should not be given within 24 hours. The dosage for children must be determined by the doctor. To prevent heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach, adults and teenagers can take 150 mg of Zantac with water 30 to 60 minutes before eating a meal or drinking beverages that are expected to cause symptoms. Again, more than 300 mg should not be taken within a 24 hour period. In the conditon where the stomach produces too much acid, older adults, adults, and teenagers can start by taking 150 mg of Zantac twice a day which may be changed as decided by the doctor. For treating gastroesophageal reflux disease in older adults, adults, and teenagers, the recommended starting dose is 150 mg two times a day, which may be increased as necessary. Children may be administered 5 to 10 mg per kg of body weight a day, usually divided and given in two doses during the day. However, the dose should not be more than 300 mg for most children.

How Zantac dosage works

Zantac should not be stopped without medical advice as it may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal. Antacids should not follow Zantac within 1 hour as these may decrease the effectiveness of the medication. Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease or porphyria as you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment. Zantac is known to pass into breast milk, so it is advisable to first talk to your doctor about taking Zantac if you are breast feeding a baby.

Zantac drug’s side effects

As with all other medications, Zantac also has its side effects which may or may not include any or all of the following: easy or unusual bruising or bleeding, bleeding gums, irregular heartbeat, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, nausea, and/or constipation. It is advisable to seek immediate medical help if any of the above side effects become aggravated or cause undue discomfort.

Other Zantac Information

Each dose of Zantac must be taken with a full glass of water.