Drug Reference
Ranitidine
H2-receptor antagonists
OTC
Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- H2-receptor antagonists
- Action class
- Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist
- Mechanism
- Histamine H2 Receptor Antagonists
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Over-the-counter (OTC)
Brand names
Zantac
Available as
150 MG · Oral Tablet75 MG · Oral Tablet300 MG · Oral Tablet2 ML · Injection150 MG · Oral Capsule300 MG · Oral Capsule400 MG · Oral Tablet25 MG/ML · Injectable Solution25 MG · Oral Tablet15 MG/ML · Oral Solution
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
Uses
Use(s) relieves heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach prevents heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach brought on by eating or drinking certain foods and beverages
How to use / dosing
Directions adults and children 12 years and over: to relieve symptoms, swallow 1 tablet with a glass of water to prevent symptoms, swallow 1 tablet with a glass of water 30 to 60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that cause heartburn can be used up to twice daily (do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours) children under 12 years: ask a doctor
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyConsult your doctor
…or worsens you need to take this product for more than 14 days If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
…you need to take this product for more than 14 days If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyCaution
…heartburn unexplained weight loss nausea or vomiting stomach pain kidney disease Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are •…
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
Warnings Allergy alert: Do not use if you are allergic to ranitidine or other acid reducers Do not use if you have trouble or pain swallowing food, vomiting with blood, or bloody or black stools.These may be signs of a serious condition. See your doctor. with other acid reducers Ask a doctor before use if you have had heartburn over 3 months. This may be a sign of a more serious condition. heartburn with lightheadedness, sweating or dizziness chest pain or shoulder pain with shortness of breath; sweating; pain spreading to arms, neck or shoulders; or lightheadedness frequent chest pain frequent wheezing, particularly with heartburn unexplained weight loss nausea or vomiting stomach pain kidney disease Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are • taking a prescription drug. Acid reducers may interact with certain prescription drugs. Stop use and ask doctor if your heartburn continues or worsens you need to take this product for more than 14 days If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
Authoritative sources
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.