Zantac
® (
ranitidine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication often used for the treatment of
GERD (
gastroesophageal reflux disease), gastric and duodenal ulcers, pathological hypersecretory conditions, and erosive esophagitis. There is also a Zantac OTC (over-the-counter) product available for treating
heartburn, indigestion, and sour stomach.
Prescription Zantac comes in the form of tablets, EFFERdose
® tablets (which are dissolved in water), and a syrup. Zantac OTC is sold under the names Zantac 75 Acid Reducer and Maximum Strength
Zantac 150 Acid Reducer.
The medicine is a type of
H2 blocker that works by blocking histamine in the stomach. This action helps to decrease the amount of acid the stomach produces (in the stomach, histamine causes more acid to be produced).
(Click Zantac for more information about this medication, including its specific uses, effects, dosing guidelines, and potential side effects.)
