Zantac (ranitidine hydrochloride) is a drug most often used in the treatment and prevention of ulcers in the duodenum and the stomach. Zantac has, in the last few years, received significant bad press for some of the side-effects that can be attributed to the frequent use of the drug. The drug is classified as an H2 (histamine-2) receptor blocker. It should be used safely if it is used at all. Many doctors now recommend choosing alternative drugs due to the harm that their use can cause and due to the lawsuits, that are being mounted against the drug’s manufacturers.
In this article, we are going to tell you a few important details that you need to know about Zantac before taking it. Be sure to read this page in its entirety so you can make the best decision with regard to using the drug – using Zantac irresponsibly is very dangerous and is not something that we recommend at all. Here are a few important details to know about Zantac before taking it.
Zantac: What Is It?
Zantac is used to treat stomach and duodenum ulcers. It is also used for treating heartburn, which for many is a very serious problem that can hinder their quality of life considerably; erosive esophagitis, which is a problem that if left untreated can lead to esophageal cancer, and can actually be caused by frequent heartburn, and finally, Zollinger Ellison syndrome, which is another condition that can be life-altering – there are alternative drugs to Zantac, though Zantac is very effective in treating the aforementioned conditions, which is why, despite its side-effects (and the lawsuits, which according to the drug specialists from https://drugguardians.com/drug/zantac-lawsuit/, are in the early stages of litigation), it is still being prescribed to this day. Plan carefully if you intend on using Zantac.
The Side-Effects of Zantac
Zantac has a number of harmful side-effects, some of which include:
- Constipation, which is one of the most commonly reported side-effects of Zantac, and one of the most irritating for people who are using the drug;
- Diarrhea, which like constipation, is very common, and most people who use the drug experience it;
- Fatigue is a less common side-effect, but one that still does happen among a large percentage of users of Zantac – fatigue is characterized by sudden and overwhelming tiredness;
- Migraines also affect a large number of people who have taken Zantac; some report the migraines to be the worst that they have ever had;
- Drowsiness can accompany any of the aforementioned side-effects and quite often does;
- Dizziness is another severe side-effect of the drug, which is why you should never take it while you are operating a vehicle or machinery;
- Insomnia can accompany all of the aforementioned side-effects – in fact, many users report being incredibly drowsy but being unable to actually go to sleep.
Some other commonly reported side-effects include:
- Impotence;
- Inability to orgasm;
- Muscular pain;
- Stomach pain and cramps;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Swollen and tender breasts.
Dosages for Zantac
When taking Zantac, the most common method of use is through tablets, though many take the drug as a syrup, and some even inject it. Whichever you use, be sure to adhere strictly to the recommended dosage your doctor gives you. Do not exceed the recommended dosage – your doctor knows best and it is not up to you to make those decisions. Adhere strictly to what your doctor has suggested minimizing the likelihood of you experiencing any of the aforementioned side-effects that have been listed on this page.
Interactions
Zantac is a drug known for interactions with other drugs. Zantac may have interactions when used alongside procainamide, warfarin, triazolam, glipizide, triazolam, midazolam, ketoconazole, delavirdine, gefitinib. If you are using any of the drugs before being prescribed Zantac, you must tell your doctor. Some of the interactions that Zantac can have with these drugs can be severe enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room – do not put yourself at risk, tell your doctor.
Breastfeeding and Pregnancy
There is very little evidence to suggest that Zantac can harm a person’s pregnancy, though with that said, Zantac passes into breast milk, which is something that you do not want to happen if you are breastfeeding a young child. You should speak to your doctor before you go ahead and take Zantac, providing you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should not just use the drug if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without having consulted a doctor – this is very dangerous.
We hope that now you understand everything that there is for you to know about Zantac. Zantac does have some merit and is beneficial for the conditions that it treats, though as with everything, it must be taken carefully.
Image source: Pixabay
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