Generic Zantac 100mg helps in Reducing Stomach Acidity

Like Zantac, the generic version of it contains same active ingredient Ranitidine which was discovered in 1976 and came into market in 1981. It is included in List of Essential Medicines by the World Health Organization and has been regarded as the most effective and safe medicines desirable in health system.

Generic Zantac is a rapidly acting selective histamine H2-blocker. By blocking the H2- receptors present in the parietal cells, it destroys basal gastric acid production in the parietal cells of the stomach and inhibits the secretion of acid that is usually triggered after eating a meal. This action reduces both the volume of the acid and acid content. Following two mechanisms are involved:

• Histamine released by Enterochromaffin-like cell (ECL) in the stomach is prevented from binding on parietal cell H2 receptors which are accountable for acid secretion.
• Other elements that lift acid secretion have anabridged effect on parietal cells when the H2 receptors are blocked.

• Generic Zantac can be taken with or without food .
• Usual dose for treating ulcers and GERD is 150mg twice a day or 300mg before sleeping.
• The maintenance dose of generic Zantac is 150mg every day.
• In case of erosive esophagitis 150mg is given four times a day.
• In patients suffering from Zollinger-Ellison syndrome a dose of 6g per day is prescribed.
• A dose of 75mg or 150mg once or twice a day is prescribed in people suffering from heartburn.
• Self-medication is not encouraged for a period over 2 weeks.

• Symptom relief with Generic Zantac does not prevent the presence of gastric cancer.
• Since Generic Zantac is excreted primarily by the kidney, dosage should be adjusted in patients with impaired kidney function
• Caution should be observed in patients with liver dysfunction since Generic Zantac is metabolized in the liver. Generic Zantac may precipitate acute porphyric attacks in patients with acute porphyria and should therefore be avoided in patients with a history of acute porphyria.
• False-positive tests for urine protein with MULTISTIX® may occur during therapy with GENERIC ZANTAC, and therefore testing with sulfosalicylic acid is suggested.

Some of the common side effects associated with the use of generic Zantac are:

• Frustration
• Anemia
• Constipation
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Decreased sex drive
• Swollen breast
• Hair loss
• Rashes

Serious side-effects that require prompt medical attention include:

• Chest pain, fever, feeling short of breath, coughing up green or yellow mucus
• Easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness
• Fast or slow heart rate
• Problems with vision
• Fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
• Nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice

Which drugs cannot be taken with Generic Zantac?

• Inform the doctor if you are taking Triazolam before initiating Generic Zantac. Dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment may be required.
• Many other drugs can interact with Generic Zantac. It is best to get info about these medications from the doctor.
• All medications you use should be inform to your doctor including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products.

What should be done in case of Overdose of Generic Zantac?

When over dosage occurs, the usual measures to remove unabsorbed drug from the gastrointestinal tract, clinical monitoring, and supportive therapy should be employed. For this, one should immediately rush to a primary healthcare center or a poison control center.

What if a dose of Generic Zantac is missed?

Take the missed dose as soon as you recollect. Skip the unused dose if it is near time for your following scheduled dose. Do not take additional medicine to make up the missed dose.