Drug Uses

Zantac is used in the treatment of various gastrointestinal problems like GERD, erosive esophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and systemic mastocytosis. Zantac is also used as a short term measure in the treatment of active ulcers.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You may be prescribed an antacid along with Zantac. In that case you need to make sure that you space out the consumption of the two medicines by at least an hour.

Please drink a full glass of water with Zantac.

It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.

Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Zantac at room temperature (read medicine label if unsure). Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Overdose

An overdose of Zantac may have adverse effects that require immediate medical attention. Contact the nearest emergency poison control center immediately if you notice effects like abnormal manner of walking, low blood pressure, fast heartbeat, restlessness and vomiting.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using Zantac if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have conditions like you have a history of porphyria (a blood disease).

Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.
Zantac may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages. So please avoid them while using Zantac. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).

Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests like to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of Zantac. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.

Please inform your lab technician or surgeon that you are taking Zantac before you undergo any emergency surgical procedure including dental operations.

The safety and effectiveness of Zantac has not been ascertained for kids younger than 1 year. Therefore Zantac should not be used in kids younger than 1 year.

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Zantac to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using Zantac as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.