Zantac is part of a class of drugs known as
H2 blockers. Zantac works by blocking a certain type histamine receptors (Type 2). Histamine is a chemical that has several different effects in the body. In the stomach, histamine causes the stomach to increase its production of stomach acid. By blocking histamine in the stomach, Zantac decreases stomach acid production. In addition to decreasing the amount of stomach acid produced throughout the day, Zantac also helps control the increase in stomach acid that usually occurs after meals.
Zantac is approved for use in children and babies as young as one month old. The medication is used for children and babies with
GERD (see Infant GERD), as well as for ulcers and erosive esophagitis. However, over-the-counter Zantac should not be used in young children, and you should always check with a healthcare provider before giving medication to children.
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Zantac for treating something other than the conditions discussed above. This is called an "
off-label" use. At this time, there are a few off-label Zantac uses, such as:
- Preventing ulcers in people in an intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital (this use is also known as "stress ulcer prophylaxis")
- Preventing acid-related pneumonia during surgeries.
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