What is the most important information I should know about Zantac?

• Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, porphyria, diabetes, lung disease, or a weak immune system. If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to use Zantac or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
• Zantac effervescent tablets must be dissolved in water before you take them.
• Your doctor may recommend an antacid to help relieve pain. Carefully follow your doctor's directions about the type of antacid to use, and when to use it.
• Do not stop taking Zantac without asking your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal.

What is Zantac?

• Zantac is in a group of drugs called histamine-2 blockers. Zantac works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces.
• Zantac is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also treats conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Zantac also treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
• Zantac may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Zantac?

• Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
  • kidney disease;
  • liver disease; or
  • porphyria.
• If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to use Zantac or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
• The effervescent tablet forms of Zantac contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria, you should be aware of possible effects this may have on you.
• Zantac is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
• Zantac passes into breast milk. Do not take Zantac without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Zantac.
• Using this medication may make you more susceptible to pneumonia if you have diabetes, lung disease, a weak immune system, or if you are elderly. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

How should I take Zantac?

• Take Zantac exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not take Zantac for longer than your doctor has prescribed.
• Take each Zantac tablet with a full glass of water.
• The Zantac effervescent tablet or granules must be dissolved in water before taking each dose. Tablets or granules should not be chewed, swallowed whole, or dissolved on the tongue.
• Place the Zantac 150 mg EFFERdose tablet in a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Allow the tablet to completely dissolve, then drink the entire mixture.
• Place the Zantac 25 mg EFFERdose tablet in at least 1 teaspoon of water. Allow the tablet to completely dissolve, then drink the entire mixture. If you are giving this medicine to a child, you can place this mixture in a medicine dropper or syringe before giving it to the child.
• Zantac granules should be mixed with 6 to 8 ounces of water before drinking.
• To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of Zantac with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Zantac syrup may be given to an infant or child by medicine dropper or oral syringe.
• Do not stop taking Zantac without asking your doctor. It may take up to 8 weeks for an ulcer to heal.
• Store Zantac at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
• Symptoms of a Zantac overdose may include weakness, lack of coordination, severe nausea or vomiting, and a fast heartbeat.

What should I avoid while taking Zantac?

• There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking Zantac, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Zantac?

• Stop using Zantac and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
  • easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
  • fast or uneven heartbeats; or
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zantac and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • headache (may be severe);
  • decreased sex drive, impotence;
  • swollen or tender breasts (in men);
  • nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or
  • diarrhea or constipation.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Zantac?

• Your doctor may recommend an antacid to help relieve pain. Carefully follow your doctor's directions about the type of antacid to use, and when to use it.
• Before taking Zantac, tell your doctor if you are taking triazolam (Halcion). You may not be able to take Zantac, or you may need dosage adjustments or special monitoring during treatment.
• There may be other drugs that can affect Zantac, or be affected by Zantac. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.