Key takeaways
Ranitidine (Zantac) and Rolaids (calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide) are both used to treat heartburn, but they belong to different medication classes. Ranitidine is a histamine H2 antagonist that was also used for stomach and intestinal ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) before it was discontinued in the U.S. due to safety concerns. Rolaids, on the other hand, is an antacid that provides fast relief for heartburn and indigestion by neutralizing stomach acid. Ranitidine was available in oral and injectable forms, while Rolaids is available over-the-counter as chewable tablets. Ranitidine is no longer available due to a recall, whereas Rolaids can still be purchased without a prescription. Rolaids may interact with other medications by affecting their absorption, and it can cause high blood calcium levels, especially in people with certain health conditions. In contrast, ranitidine was recalled due to the presence of NDMA, a potential cancer-causing impurity.
