Key takeaways
Alka-Seltzer (citric acid/aspirin/sodium bicarbonate) and ranitidine (formerly known as Zantac) are both used to treat heartburn, but they belong to different medication classes. Alka-Seltzer is a combination of antacids and an NSAID, while ranitidine is a histamine H2 antagonist. Alka-Seltzer is available over-the-counter and comes in dissolvable tablets, whereas ranitidine was available in oral and injectable forms before being discontinued. Ranitidine was recalled due to the presence of NDMA, a potential cancer-causing impurity, and is no longer available in the United States. Alka-Seltzer can cause side effects like stomach bleeding and is not recommended for children under 12 or during pregnancy due to its aspirin content. Ranitidine, on the other hand, was generally well-tolerated but is no longer an option. If you need an alternative to ranitidine, medications like famotidine (Zantac 360) are available.
