7 Essential Facts About Zantac: Your Go-To Antacid Solution

INTRODUCTION 

Zantac is a generic ranitidine, and that has been one of the drugs used in excess production of stomach acids for the longest period. The medication was discovered during the late 1970s, and at that time, the drug was perceived among the very first of the many medicines given to patients diagnosed with various diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Although it had been very effectively used for the last several decades, controversies arose over the past ten years that brought into question its safety and most backed up to other treatments against acid-related conditions.It is a medicine like Neomerz (Antacid).
 

Mechanism of Action 

This drug, Zantac, is classified in the group of drugs known as an H2-receptor antagonist, or H2 blocker. They function by receptor blockade of histamine H2 receptors on the inner lining of the stomach within the parietal cells. Because of this blockade of the receptors, it immediately reduces the production of gastric acid, which was ultimately beneficial during the treatment of the manifestations of the acid reflux and ulcers. 

Uses 

Zantac was primarily prescribed for 

1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease: It is the disease resulting from chronic flaw that enables the acids in the stomach to reflux into the esophagus and hence causing heartburn as well as pain. 

2. Peptic Ulcers: They are naked ulcers. They are in the inner lining of the stomach. They also lie in the first part of the small intestine. Healing of these ulcers occurs with the support of ranitidine by reducing the acidity of the stomach. 

3. Zollinger Ellison Syndrome: It is an extremely rare condition, as a result of the presence of tumors within the pancreas or within the duodenum that hyper-secret gastric acid. 

4. Ulcer Prophylaxis: It is also used as an antecedent, that is, before the development of a stress ulcer in the acutely ill patient. 

Dosage and Administration 

Zantac is available in oral tablets, oral liquid preparation, and injectable strength. Doses vary based on the condition for which it is being used. 

GERD: Dose range in adults is 150 to 300 mg/day. This may be either once or divided twice. 

Peptic Ulcers: Induction dose would be 150 mg twice a day or 300 mg at bedtime 

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: The patient will require a higher concentration of doses, which would depend upon the case. 

There has to be appropriate consultation by a doctor such that the effects results are wholly achieved. 

Contraindications and Precautions 

Any medication has side effects, and it is not unique to Zantac side effects. Common side effects are; 

Headache 

Dizziness 

Constipation or diarrhea 

Fatigue 

Hives or itching, pain in swallowing, urine or stools blood, and bleeding or bruising easily could be results of conditions such as thrombocytopenia or agranulocytosis, dysfunction of the liver having rare but severe side effects. 

Current Controversies and Recalls 

Even so, while the firm had spent more than five decades operating in the market, 2019, ranitidine caught new flames as the US FDA went on to elaborate that it found N-nitroso dimethylamine also known otherwise commonly as NDMA is quite likely to be a human carcinogen in ranitidine products that also led to recalls on all boards and final market withdrawal of Zantac. 

The NDMA residues have bonded to others that lead to cancer forms of which are distinct from other forms. This sent back the patients under Zantac to their respective doctors and asked them for another prescription concerning acid-related conditions. 

Alternatives of Zantac 

Alternatives include the use of: 

Tums 

Rolaids 

Mylanta 

Alka Seltzer 

Rennie among many others. 

This medicine has been the cause of controversy for the medical profession for centuries. The controversy in the process of treatment has therefore resulted in very few patients knowing how to treat excess stomach acids. Some of the alternative sources of remedy include: 

1. PPIs: The medications used are omeprazole (Prilosec), and esomeprazole (Nexium, which decrease the acidity of the contents already in the stomach. Most of the patients who are on these medications suffer from GERD and ulcers. 

2. Antacids: Most of the active over-the-counter available antacids comprise calcium carbonate (Tums) and magnesium hydroxide (Maalox) that neutralize heartburn and acid indigestion in very fast ways. 

3. Lifestyle: The attitude may itself improve through dietetic measures or loss of weight and precipitating factors such as spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine. 

4. Other H2 Antagonists: Other drugs like famotidine, Pepcid and cimetidine, Tagamet still lie on the market and can be used as an alternative to ranitidine. 

Conclusion 

This safety-based withdrawal has thus deserted the relief entered into thousands of patients all these years, and it therefore marks the fall of its existence in the market; millions are therefore left to look for safer drugs. Treatment implications and alternative treatments should thus be known and ascertained by whoever is suffering from acid-related conditions. Always seek a health professional before changes of medication come through.