Zantac Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Zantac is the brand name for ranitidine, and is used in the treatment and prevention of heartburn and ulcers. Ranitidine is an H2 histamine blocker, and works to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach.^[1] Zantac is available as both a prescription medication and over-the-counter (OTC) drug. Side effects may occur for patients taking both prescription Zantac and Zantac OTC.

Some of the most common side effects of Zantac include bowel irregularity, headache, nausea, throwing up, diarrhea and pains in the stomach. More serious adverse reactions can also occur, and may require medical attention.^[1]

Contents 1 Common Zantac Side Effects 2 Zantac Allergic Reactions 3 Drug Side Effects 4 Zantac Precautions and Warnings 5 About Heartburn 6 References

Common Zantac Side Effects

The most common side effects of Zantac are changes in bowel movement (either constipation or diarrhea), headache and dizziness. There are also rarer but more serious side effects that can occur. These include changes in mood, such as irritability or even depression, and altered vision, such as blurriness and hallucinations. Other side effects that may require medical attention include increased bruising or bleeding, exhaustion, swollen breasts, flu-like symptoms, jaundice, darker urine and severe abdominal pain.^[4]

Zantac Allergic Reactions

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Zantac can include breathing difficulty, swelling of the facial area, swelling of the throat, itching of the face, throat or other areas, dizziness or rash. The vast majority of Zantac users will tolerate the drug without experiencing any allergic reaction. However, in extreme cases Zantac allergies may cause serious harm to the health. This is especially true if throat swelling causes difficulty breathing.^[4]

Drug Side Effects

Zantac Precautions and Warnings

• Patients are advised to consult their doctor before taking Zantac to discuss other medications they may be taking, or other conditions they may have.^[4]
• Patients who suffer from kidney or liver disease are advised to consult their doctors before using Zantac.^[4]
• Patients who are taking blood thinners such as warfarin, or other medications such as triazolam or glipizide may need to have dosages adjusted, or may be unable to use Zantac.^[4]
• Zantac is typically not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Those who become pregnant while taking Zantac are advised to consult their physicians.^[1]

About Heartburn

Heartburn is described as a burning feeling in the chest area, typically behind the breast bone. Despite the name of the condition and the fact that the pain may feel like it is located in the heart, heartburn actually occurs in the esophagus. It is the direct result of acids from the stomach making their way up the digestive tract. Periodic heartburn is common and does not typically cause any serious harm. It often may be prevented by avoiding certain foods and taking OTC medication. However, in more severe cases it may be necessary to see a physician.^[5]

Also See: Zantac Free Samples, Zantac Coupons, Drug Side Effects, Aciphex Coupons, Aciphex Side Effects, Nexium Coupons, Nexium Patient Assistance Programs, Nexium Side Effects, Pantoprazole Side Effects, Prevacid Coupons, Prilosec Coupons, Prilosec Side Effects, Protonix Side Effects, Zegerid Coupons

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601106.html
2. ↑ http://www.zantacotc.com/offers/OffersController.jpf
3. ↑ http://www.gsk.com/products/prescription-medicines/zantac.htm
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7} http://us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_zantac.pdf
5. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heartburn-gerd/DS00095