GERD
Medications
Related eMedTV
Health Channels

Zantac Side Effects

Constipation, headache, and diarrhea are common side effects of Zantac. Side effects of the medication that are much less common include muscle or joint pain, blurred vision, and hair loss. If you experience any serious Zantac side effects, such as trouble breathing or heart problems, be sure to notify your healthcare provider immediately.

 

Zantac Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Zantac® (ranitidine hydrochloride). However, not everyone who takes this drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Zantac well. If Zantac side effects do occur, they are generally minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(The side effects discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with Zantac. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Zantac side effects with you.)
 

Common Zantac Side Effects

Zantac has been thoroughly studied in clinical trials, with many people being evaluated. In these studies, side effects occurring in the group of people taking the drug are always documented and compared to the side effects that occur in a similar group of people 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 (or stomach pain)
  • Rash.
     

Zantac 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), and 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, and 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, or swelling of the mouth or throat.
     
(Zantac Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;