Zantac (ranitidine) is a widely used H2 (histamine-2) blocker for short term relief of acid reflux and other GERD related symptoms, however every patient should consider the side effects prior to treatment.  An H2 blocker works similar to a PPI (proton pump inhibitor) by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, however it has been said that H2 blockers will only relieve symptoms up to 12 hours while the competing PPI classified drugs give symptom relief for 24 hours or more.  Histamine-2 is a chemical your body naturally produces; by blocking the process of creating this chemical, less acid is produced in the stomach.  Now that we know how and why it works, let’s take a look at Zantac options.

In prescription form Zantac can be dosed as 75, 150 or even 300 mg tablets or capsules.  It is also available in granules and EFFERdose tablets (dissolvable tablets used in an 8 oz glass of water).  Without insurance you can expect to pay $0.50 to $2.00 per dose.  At your local pharmacy you will find Zantac readily available for a reasonable price in three varieties:  Zantac 75 mg tablets, Zantac Maximum Strength 150 mg tablets and Zantac Maximum Strength 150 mg Cool Mint tablets.  The mint tablets are particularly designed to sooth throat pain associated with acid reflux.

Now for the side effects.  With any drug you run the risk of side effects, some worse than others, and Zantac is no exception.  The most common and less threatening side effects related to Zantac are headaches, dizziness, constipation and diarrhea.  More uncommon and serious side effects include blurred vision and mental/mood changes such as agitation, depression or even hallucinations.  And then the big ones, rare but very serious; bleeding/bruising, enlarged breasts (especially in men), irregular heartbeat, yellowing of the skin and eyes and severe lethargy.  If you experience any side effects from Zantac, especially the more severe, discontinue use immediately and consult your physician. 

Zantac should not be used in children under 12, which rules out treatment for babies and infants, and as a last resort of acid reflux treatment for pregnant women.  This drug does pass through to breast milk, therefore it should not be used by nursing mothers. 

Once the medication is stopped the symptoms may return as there is nothing there to block the acid, and they may even come back stronger than before.  With all the potential side effects of Zantac and because it’s not a cure patient’s should arm themselves with all available information regarding acid reflux and GERD treatment options.