Zantac

What is it?

Composition

The composition of Zantac was carefully developed to ensure maximum effectiveness in reducing stomach acidity. The main active ingredient of the drug was ranitidine, which was a representative of the group of H2 blockers. This component effectively blocked histamine receptors, reducing the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

In addition to ranitidine, the composition included excipients that contributed to better absorption of the drug and maintaining its stability. Among such substances one could find:

• Microcrystalline cellulose - to give the tablet shape.
• Magnesium stearate - to prevent components from sticking together.
• Starch - to improve solubility.
• Lactose - as a filler.

It is important to remember that against the background of the drug recall from the market, the original composition of Zantac is no longer available, and possible analogues may have a completely different composition.

How to use?

The use of Zantac depended on the indications and recommendations of the doctor. The drug was most often prescribed as tablets for oral administration, and the dosage varied depending on the patients age and the severity of the disease. The usual regimen was as follows:

1. For the treatment of gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer, it was recommended to take 150 mg twice a day or 300 mg once before bedtime.
2. For gastroesophageal reflux disease, the dosage was from 150 to 300 mg twice a day.
3. For prophylactic purposes (for example, to prevent ulcer recurrence), it was suggested to take 150 mg at night.

The tablets should be washed down with a sufficient amount of water. The course of treatment was determined by the doctor, but in most cases it lasted from 4 to 8 weeks. To achieve the maximum effect, it was important to maintain regular intake and not exceed the recommended dosage.

How does it work?

Zantac worked thanks to its main component, ranitidine, which belongs to the group of H2-histamine receptor blockers. These receptors are located on the surface of stomach cells responsible for the production of hydrochloric acid. When histamine interacts with these receptors, acid production increases, which can lead to irritation of the gastric mucosa and the development of diseases such as ulcers or gastritis.

Ranitidine blocked the interaction of histamine with receptors, which led to a significant decrease in the secretion of gastric juice. As a result, acidity and aggressive effects on the mucous membrane of the stomach and esophagus decreased. This allowed damaged tissues to heal faster and prevented the appearance of new erosions or ulcers.

The effect of Zantac manifested itself quite quickly: within 1-2 hours after taking it, a significant decrease in acid production could be observed. Due to this, the drug was successfully used to treat acute conditions and prevent relapses of chronic diseases.

Indications

Zantac has been used to treat and prevent a variety of gastrointestinal conditions associated with increased acidity. Due to its mechanism of action, the drug has proven effective in both acute cases and maintenance therapy. The main indications were as follows:

• Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, including exacerbations and prevention of relapses.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), manifested by heartburn and backflow of gastric juice into the esophagus.
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare condition with excessive production of gastric acid.
• Erosive gastritis caused by the aggressive effect of acid on the gastric mucosa.
• Prevention of complications in stress ulcers and after gastric surgery.

This list included both the treatment of acute conditions and prophylactic use, which made the drug universal in gastroenterology.

Contraindications

Despite the effectiveness and popularity of Zantac, its use was limited by a number of contraindications. These restrictions were important to prevent possible complications and side effects. The main contraindications included:

• Hypersensitivity or allergy to ranitidine or any of the excipients of the drug.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding, except in cases where the potential benefit outweighs the risks (prescription should be made only by a doctor).
• Severe renal or hepatic insufficiency, in which the metabolism and excretion of the drug may be impaired.
• Children under 12 years of age (for certain forms of release).
• Suspected malignant tumors of the stomach, since the drug can mask their symptoms.

Before using the drug, it was important to consult a doctor to exclude the presence of contraindications and select a suitable alternative, if necessary.

Side effects

Although Zantac was generally well tolerated by patients, some people may experience side effects. Most often, these were mild and went away after stopping the drug, but sometimes they required medical attention. The main possible side effects included:

• Gastrointestinal: nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
• Nervous: headache, dizziness, rare cases of confusion or insomnia.
• Allergic reactions: rash, itching, in rare cases - angioedema.
• Cardiovascular: decreased blood pressure, especially with intravenous administration.
• Liver: increased liver enzymes, rarely - jaundice.

If any unpleasant symptoms appear while taking Zantac, you should consult a doctor. A specialist will help determine whether these symptoms are related to taking the drug and will select the appropriate treatment or alternative.