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Zantac Side Effects
Constipation, headache, and diarrhea are common side effects of Zantac. Some of the side effects that are less common include muscle or joint pain, blurred vision, and hair loss. If you experience any serious side effects, such as trouble breathing or heart problems, be sure to notify your healthcare provider right away.
Zantac Side Effects: An Introduction
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Zantac® (ranitidine hydrochloride). However, not everyone who takes this drug will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, they are generally minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Zantac. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Zantac side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects of Zantac
Zantac has been thoroughly studied in clinical trials, with many people being evaluated. In these studies, side effects occurring in a group of people taking the drug are documented and often compared to the side effects that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
Based on these studies, the most common side effects of Zantac include:
- Headache
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Rash.
Side Effects to Report
There are a number of side effects with Zantac that you should report to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
- Confusion, agitation, or hallucinations
- Depression (see Zantac and Depression)
- Heart problems, including:
- Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Symptoms of liver problems or hepatitis, including:
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Pain in the upper-right side of the abdomen
- Dark urine
- Angioedema (life-threatening swelling of the throat and mouth)
- Signs of an allergic reaction, including:
- An unusual rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Wheezing
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling of the mouth or throat.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD