Zantac is a medication used for the relief of heartburn and other symptoms of acid indigestion. It is also used to treat and prevent gastric ulcers. Zantac belongs to a class of drugs known as histamine blockers, which work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical naturally released in the body that causes the stomach to produce acid. Zantac is available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms.
The active ingredient in Zantac is ranitidine hydrochloride, a histamine-2 blocker. Ranitidine works by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical naturally released in the body that causes the stomach to produce acid. Zantac also contains several inactive ingredients, including corn starch, lactose, magnesium stearate, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
Zantac was first discovered in 1977 by scientists at GlaxoSmithKline, a British pharmaceutical company. It was initially approved for use in the United States in 1984. Since then, it has become one of the most widely used medications for the relief of heartburn and other symptoms of acid indigestion.
Zantac is also available in generic forms, under the names ranitidine hydrochloride and ranitidine. These generic forms are just as effective as the brand name version, but may be cheaper. Zantac is also available in combination with other medications, such as antacids, to provide more comprehensive relief of heartburn and other symptoms of acid indigestion.
In addition to its use for the relief of heartburn and other symptoms of acid indigestion, Zantac is also used to treat and prevent gastric ulcers. Gastric ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach that can be caused by a variety of factors, including the use of certain medications, smoking, or a bacterial infection. Zantac works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, which can help to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with gastric ulcers.
Zantac is a safe and effective medication for the relief of heartburn and other symptoms of acid indigestion, as well as the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers. It is important to follow the directions on the package carefully and to talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
References:
1. Ranitidine hydrochloride. (2021, February 25). Retrieved from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/ranitidine-hydrochloride
2. Zantac (ranitidine). (2021, February 25). Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/zantac.html
3. Zantac (ranitidine hydrochloride). (2021, February 25). Retrieved from https://www.rxlist.com/zantac-drug.htm