Zantac

What is it?

An H2 blocker available as film-coated, white tablets in 2 strengths containing 150mg and 300mg of ranitidine hydrochloride marked with GXEC2 or GXEC3, respectively. Also, ZANTAC EFFERVESCENT, white effervescent tablets containing 150mg and 300mg of ranitidine as hydrochloride. Also, ZANTAC SYRUP, containing 150mg of ranitidine as hydrochloride per 10ml with 7.5% ethanol, in a sugar- free syrup. Also, ZANTAC INJECTION, containing 50mg of ranitidine as hydrochloride per 2mnl as a solution in ampoules.

Medical Uses

Duodenal, benign stomach and post-operative ulcers; ulcers due to NSAIDs, prevention of ulcers induced by NSAIDs, duodemial ulcers linked with/I. pylori, dyspepsia, oesophageal reflux, management of healed oesophagitis, Z-E syndrome, reduction of stomach acid, prevention of haemorrhage in bleeding ulcers, to prevent aspiration of stomach acid during anaesthesia.

Dosage

Adults, oral preparations, ulcers, 150mg 2 times each day or 300mg at bedtime. Take for 4 weeks then reduce to maintenance dose of 150mg at bedtime. Duodenal ulcer linked with H. pylon, 300mg at bedtime or 150mg twice each day for 4 weeks, combined with 750mg of amoxycillin 3 times each day and 500mg of metronidazole 3 times each day - both for first 2 weeks. Prevention of duodenal ulcers caused by NSAIDs, 150mg twice each day. Reflux oesophagitis, 150mg twice each day or 300mg at bedtime for up to 3 months. In severe cases, 150mg 4 times each day for 3 months. Healed oesophagitis, 150mg twice each day. Z- E syndrome, 150mg 3 times each day, increasing to 6g daily, if needed. Chronic episodes of acid indigestion, 150mg twice each day for 6 weeks. Prevention of haemorrhage, 150mg twice each day to replace injection once food is being taken by mouth. Children for stomach ulcers only, 2 to 4mg per kg of body weight twice each day to a daily maximum of 300mg. Injection, adults, 50mg by intrwnuscu1er or slow intravenous injection over 2 minutes or by intermittent intravenous infusion at rate of 25mg per hour for 2 hours. Dose may be repeated every 6 to 8 hours, as needed.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, acute porphyria (inherited metabolic disorder involving porphyrins), impaired kidney function. Malignancy must be excluded before treatment begins.

Avoid Use

Injection in children.

Known Side Effects

Dizziness, altered liver function, headache. In rare cases, hepatitis, changes in blood counts - leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, hypersensitivity, confusion, rash, slow heartbeat, pancreatitis, breast symptoms.