Zantac

Drug Uses

Zantac is used for the prevention and treatment of ulcers. It is used to treat GERD and for the effective and consistent healing of an erosive esophagitis.  Though these are just the basic uses of Zantac, it is also used for other conditions and may be prescribed for other treatments.

How Taken

Take Zantac as directed by your medical officer or health care worker. You can take Zantac either after a meal or on an empty stomach. If you are taking other medicines like cephalosporins, ketoconazole, or quinolones, you should take Zantac at least two hours before Even if you feel well; continue the dosage of Zantac until your doctor orders otherwise. Antacids may be taken to quell the stomach pain.

Missed Dose

Take a dose if you missed one, as soon as you remember it. However, do not take a double dose just because you missed one dose. Skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule.

Overdose

In the case of an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms of Zantac over dose are difficulty in breathing, an increase in heartbeat, tremors, vomiting and restlessness.
 

Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Zantac, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Zantac, if you have kidney or liver problems, frequent wheezing or chest pain, stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, chest or shoulder pain with shortness of breath, pain spreading to arm, neck, or shoulder, lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting, or increased sweating, if you have a history of a certain blood problem (porphyria), have difficulty or pain swallowing food, vomiting with blood, or black or bloody stools, or you have had heartburn for longer than 3 months, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Zantac during pregnancy. Zantac is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Zantac. Some medicines may interact with Zantac. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Zantac. Zantac is not recommended for use in children under the age of 1 month, safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are- Blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, feeling of a whirling motion, general body discomfort, nausea, sleeplessness, stomach pain, vomiting. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, and tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), changes in heart rate, confusion, fever, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat, severe stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes.