This belongs to the group of medicines known as H2-receptor antagonists.

Zantac is used to treat certain conditions caused by too much acid being produced in the stomach, such as stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers), ulcers of the upper part of the intestine (duodenal ulcers), reflux oesophagitis (acid reflux or heartburn) and Zollinger-Ellison disease.

Zantac can also be used to treat irritation and ulceration of the stomach caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Acid is produced naturally in the stomach to help digest food. Excessive amounts of acid can irritate the stomach lining, causing inflammation, ulcers and other conditions.

Zantac works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, relieving pain and helping to repair the damage.

Zantac is available in tablet, effervescent tablet, oral liquid and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Zantac; Ranitic; Ranitil; Histac; Rantec; Zaedoc. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Why is this drug prescribed?

Zantac tablets, effervescent tablets, syrup and injection all contain the active ingredient Zantac, which is a type of drug called an H2 receptor antagonist. Zantac is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug. Zantac acts in the stomach to decrease the production of stomach acid. Zantac works by blocking histamine H2 receptors that are found on the cells in the stomach lining. A natural body chemical called histamine normally binds to these receptors, causing the cells to produce stomach acid. By blocking the H2 receptors, Zantac prevents histamine from binding to them. This stops the cells from producing stomach acid. Stomach acid is produced in the stomach as a normal part of the digestive process. Normally the linings of the stomach and duodenum are protected by a layer that resists acid attack. However, if this layer is damaged, or large amounts of stomach acid are formed, an ulcer can develop on the lining of the stomach or duodenum. This is called a peptic ulcer. Acid produced in the stomach can also sometimes flow back into the food pipe. This is called gastro-oesophageal reflux, and can cause pain and a burning sensation known as heartburn. It can also irritate and damage the lining of the oesophagus, causing a condition called reflux oesophagitis. By reducing the production of stomach acid, Zantac can be used to treat all these and other conditions. It stops excess acid flowing back into the foodpipe and can be used to relieve heartburn symptoms associated with acid reflux. It also allows the oesophagus to heal in reflux oesophagitis. By reducing the amount of acid in the stomach and duodenum Zantac relieves the symptoms of indigestion. It also allows peptic ulcers to heal, and prevents them from recurring. Zantac can be given together with antibiotics to help eradicate bacteria called Helicobacter pylori from the stomach. These bacteria can contribute to the formation of peptic ulcers. Zantac helps create an environment in the gut in which the antibiotics can be more effective at killing the bacteria. Zantac can also be used to prevent and treat peptic ulcers that can occur as a side effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as diclofenac. Zantac is also used to depress stomach acid production in various other conditions. It is used in varying doses and for varying lengths of time depending on the condition being treated.

Treatments

In adults: * Treating peptic ulcers. * Treating duodenal ulcers associated with H pylori infection. * Preventing peptic ulcers in people taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. * Preventing recurrent bleeding in people with bleeding peptic ulcers. * Preventing bleeding from stress ulceration in the gut in people who are critically ill, eg in intensive care. * Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. * Excessive secretion of stomach acid due to a tumour or enlargement of the pancreas. * Chronic indigestion related to meals or that disturbs sleep, but which is not related to any of the above conditions. * Preventing inhalation of acid from the stomach whilst under general anaesthetic * Preventing inhalation of acid from the stomach in pregnant women during labour. In children aged 3 to 18 years: * Short-term treatment of peptic ulcers. * Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Allergic reaction * Skin rash * Alteration in results of liver function tests * Diarrhoea * Headache * Dizziness * Blurred vision * Slow heart rate * Inflammation of the liver * Inflammation of the pancreas * Impotence * Hair loss * Pain in the muscles and joints * Confusion * Depression * False perceptions of things that are not really there * Decrease in the normal number of blood cells in the blood