Zantac Online - Prescriptions Through AccessMedNet Listings

Zantac belongs to a class of histamine blockers used mainly to treat gastrointestinal ulcers. The histamine blocking action prevents the stomach from producing excess acid, allowing the body to heal the ulcer.

If this medication works for you, improvement should be noticed within 4-6 weeks. Longer term use may be suggested by your doctor depending on your condition, and how long it takes to heal or prevent a recurrence. Stopping treatment abruptly could lead to a relapse. Only stop treatment on the advice of your doctor, once they're sure that the underlying condition has improved.

It's prescribed for prevention and treatment of peptic, duodenal, and gastric ulcers, ulcers caused by stress, excessive stomach acid production, acid reflux, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, in combination with antibacterials to relieve ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori, and heartburn.

The drug may also be used in some cases to treat recurrent warts, acne, hives, shingles, and hyperthyroid conditions. It may further be effective in treating gastrointestinal ulcers caused by certain arthritis treatments.

Full strength Zantac is only available by prescription, though an over the counter version is available (Zantac 75) in a milder formulation that has fewer side effects. The over the counter version should not be used to treat ulcers, it's only intended to treat heartburn. Use only as directed.

Zantac Side Effects

Mild Side Effects: Allergic reaction (hives, rash), diarrhea, headache, joint pain, muscle pain. These effects range from infrequent to rare, speak to your doctor if any side effect is bothersome.

Serious Side Effects: Allergic reaction (anemia, pancreatitis, serious rash), bone marrow depression, bronchospasm, confusion, decreased platelets, hallucination, heart rhythm changes (slow heartbeat, ventricular black), liver damage, nervousness, worsened Alzheimer's. These side effects range from rare to extremely rare (case reports only), though any sign of them should be treated immediately by your physician. Seek emergency assistance if your condition is severe.

Cautions: This treatment may not be right for everyone, or you may have a condition that requires your doctor to make dosage adjustments. Inform your doctor of a history of any of the following to ensure that your treatment is as safe and effective as possible.

• Allergies: If you have, or have had in the past, an allergic reaction to this medication, you will not be able to continue to take it. Inform your physician of any food or dye allergies so that you can be prescribed an appropriate formulation.
• Anticoagulant Use: If you need to take any of these medications, you may need to take additional precautions or have the doses of one of the treatments altered.
• Aplastic Anemia: This medication may make the condition worse.
• Hemodialysis: This process decreases Zantac's effectiveness, your doctor may recommend more frequent dosing.
• Kidney or Liver Impairment: Doses will have to be lowered.
• Low White Blood Cell or Platelet Counts: Your doctor will have to determine if this treatment is right for you.
• Phenylketonuria (PKU) - Some formulations may contain aspartame, which is not safe for this condition. Particularly the Efferdose form of ranitidine.
• Porphyria - Zantac may not be an appropriate treatment for you, speak with your doctor regarding potential risks of treatment.
• Weak Immune System - The weaker stomach acid caused by this treatment may increase susceptibility to certain types of infection.

Zantac Online - Prescriptions Through AccessMedNet Listings

This treatment should not be combined with all other types of over the counter or prescription medication. Speak with your doctor if you take, or plan to take, any of the following. If you see multiple physicians, make sure that each of them is fully informed of medication you have been prescribed by other doctors.

• Alcohol - Increases stomach acidity, avoid use until your doctor believes it's prudent to resume drinking.
• Antacids - Separate use according to your doctor's instructions, Zantac may be less effective when used with these medications.
• Anticoagulants like Coumadin (warfarin) may build up in the body and cause increased bleeding unless more frequent INR testing and careful dosage adjustments are maintained.
• Anti-diabetic drugs or Insulin - This combination may result in undesirably low blood sugar and potentially seizures, regular testing for hypoglycemia is recommended.
• Antifungals like Diflucan (fluconazole), Nizoral (ketoconazole), Sporanox (itraconazole), and possibly others may be less effective when used with Zantac. Take at least two hours apart, according to your doctor's instructions.
• Aspirin - High doses of aspirin may increase risk of Zantac toxicity.
• Benzodiazepines (a class of antidepressants, anti-panic agents, sleep medications, and muscle relaxants) such as Ativan (lorazepam), Dalmane (flurazepam), Valium (diazepam), Halcion (triazolam), Librium(chlordiazepoxide), Restoril (temazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Tranxene-SD (clorazepate), Paxipam (halazepam), ProSom (estazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Versed (midazolam), and others, may have their effects increased by combined treatment. Your doctor may decrease your dose.
• Beta Blockers - Drugs like Blocadren (timolol), Cartrol (carteolol), Corgard (nadolol), Inderal (propranolol), Kerlone (betaxolol), Levatol (penbutolol), Lopressor (metoprolol), Normodyne (labetalol), Sectral (acebutolol), Sotacor (sotalol), Tenormin (atenolol), Trasicor (oxprenolol ), or Visken (pindolol) may build up and cause undesirably low heart rate and blood pressure.
• Dilantin (phenytoin) - Effects may be increased.
• Effexor (venlafaxine) - Effects may be increased, risk of serotonin system developing if blood levels of Effexor remain too high.
• Glucophage (metformin) - Effects may be increased.
• Iron salts will decrease Zantac absorption.
• Kola nut - May increase stomach acid.
• Lescol (fluvastatin) - Effects may be increased.
• Ma Huang - May increase stomach acid.
• Procan (procainamide) - Effects may be increased.
• Sandimmune (cyclosporine) - May build up to toxic levels.
• St. John's Wort - Combination may increase sun sensitivity.
• Tetracycline antibiotics may decrease the Zantac's effectiveness. Be sure to notify your doctor if you're taking any antibiotics, or if you should develop a need to take them during treatment.
• Theophylline Class Bronchodilators (Aminophylline, Dyphylline, Oxtriphylline, Somophyllin, Theo-Dur, etc...) - Effects may be increased, dosage adjustments may be necessary.
• Trental (pentoxifylline) - Blood levels may be altered, your doctor may need to adjust your dose.
• Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil (amitriptyline), Asendin (amoxapine), Anafranil (clomipramine), Pertofrane or Norpramin (desipramine), Sinequan (doxepin), Tofranil (imipramine), Aventyl or Pamelor (nortriptyline), Vivactil (protriptyline), and Surmontil (trimipramine), may have increased effects when used with Zantac. Your doctor may decrease your dosage.

Zantac Dosages

Prescription Zantac comes in the following forms:

• Effervescent tablet - 150 mg, & 300 mg (caution: contains aspartame)
• GELdose capsule - 150 mg, 300 mg
• Syrup - 15 mg/ml (caution: 7.5% alcohol)
• Tablet - 150 mg

Typical adult doses are as follows, keep in mind that these are just guidelines. Your doctor may suggest a different dosage or schedule according to your individual needs. Doses should not exceed 300 mg within a 24 hour period, though for certain conditions or situations, your doctor may set the maximum daily dose lower.

• Acid indigestion, heartburn, sour stomach: 75 mg with water an hour before consuming food or drink that normally cause symptoms, do not exceed a dosage of 150 mg daily.
• Active duodenal or gastric ulcer: 150 mg twice daily, with a meal and at bedtime. Some individuals may alternately take 300 mg at bedtime.
• Duodenal ulcer prevention: 150 mg daily at bedtime.
• Gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux) disease: 150 mg twice daily, discuss a dosage schedule with your doctor.
• Stomach produces too much acid: 75 mg at symptom onset, do not exceed a dosage of 150 mg daily.

Take Zantac after meals, when digestive acids are being produced at their highest rates. Take your medication as soon as you remember if you should forget a dose, but don't double doses. If it's almost time for your next dose, skipped the missed amount. Speak to your doctor if you find that you forget to take your medication frequently.

This medication may cause some confusion or dizziness, especially if you are over 50. Do not engage in potentially hazardous activities until you are familiar with your reaction to the medication.

The oral suspension form should be shaken thoroughly before measuring. Do not allow it to freeze, store as recommended on the packaging.

Store Zantac away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry location; avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other areas where it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration date.

Keep Zantac away from children; both when storing it, and when discarding any unused medication.

Zantac and Pregnancy

Zantac has not been demonstrated to cause birth defects or miscarriage in pregnant women, though adequate studies have not been performed. Speak with your doctor if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

This medication should not be combined with breastfeeding, it may cause undesirable side effects in infants.

Zantac and Children

This drug does not appear to cause different side effects in children than in adults with short term use. For children 16 and under, dosage will be determined by body weight. Teenagers will usually be prescribed the adult dose.

Long-term use is not recommended, as this has not been adequately studied.

Zantac and Seniors

Increased risk of the accumulation of vegetable fibers in the gut. A feeling of fullness, decreased appetite, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, or confusion, should be watched for carefully.

Zantac Online - Prescriptions Through AccessMedNet Listings

Zantac is a trademark of GlaxoSmithKline

Generic Ranitidine is manufactured by Geneva, Mylan, Par, Pfizer Consumer, and Watson

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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.