11 Uses of Ranitidine (Zantac) + Dosage & How it Works

Ranitidine is a best-selling drug used to reduce high stomach acid. Through its lowering effect on stomach acid, it is widely used in the treatment of conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux, ulcers in the stomach and bowel, erosive esophagitis, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Read on to learn more about this medication, its health benefits, and main adverse effects.

What Is Ranitidine (Zantac)?

Ranitidine is a drug that decreases stomach acid production and is therefore employed in the treatment and prevention of disorders related to excessive stomach acid .

Developed in 1977, ranitidine was first introduced into the market in 1981 and quickly became the best-selling drug worldwide .

Ranitidine is a histamine blocker. By binding to the H2-receptors on the stomach acid-producing cells, it prevents their activation by histamine.

Zantac 300mg Tablets, that comes as tablets (oral and effervescent), capsules, and syrup. This medication is mainly used to treat.

· Ulcers of the stomach and bowel

· Esophagus inflammation

· Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

· Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

It is also sold over-the-counter (OTC) as 75 mg and 150 mg tablets to prevent symptoms of excessive acid in the stomach such as :

· Heartburn

· Acid indigestion

Mechanism of Action

Histamine is a compound that is produced by white blood cells (mast cells and basophils), platelets, immune cells (lymphocytes), brain cells, and secreting cells in stomach glands (enterochromaffin cells).

In the stomach, histamine is produced by enterochromaffin cells and activates those that produce acid (parietal cells) by binding to the H2-receptors on their surface.

Uses of Ranitidine

Over-the-counter ranitidine is approved to prevent and relieve heartburn associated with acid ingestion and sour stomach. Prescription ranitidine is mainly approved for the treatment and prevention of ulcers of the stomach and intestines and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Take ranitidine as recommended and do not change its dose and frequency or stop taking it without your doctor’s approval.