Zantac
® (
ranitidine hydrochloride) is a prescription drug used for treating ulcers, erosive esophagitis,
GERD (
gastroesophageal reflux disease), and pathological hypersecretory conditions. There is also an over-the-counter version of Zantac for
heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach.
The medication is a type of
H2 blocker that works by blocking histamine in the stomach. Since histamine causes more acid to be produced, blocking it can help reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. This effect can help relieve GERD symptoms and speed up the healing process for ulcers and erosive esophagitis.
Before your healthcare provider prescribes this medicine (or before you take over-the-counter Zantac for heartburn), you should talk to him or her if you have kidney disease or kidney failure, acute porphyria, liver disease, or phenylketonuria.
(Click Zantac to learn more about this medication and its specific uses, various forms and strengths, potential side effects, and dosing guidelines.)
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