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ranitidine

Generic Zantac
Used for Heartburn, Gastric Ulcer, GERD, Duodenal Ulcer
Used for Heartburn, Gastric Ulcer, GERD, Duodenal Ulcer

Ranitidine (Zantac) is a medication used for heartburn and other stomach conditions. It's no longer available in the United States because it was recalled by the FDA.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 5, 2022
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What is Ranitidine (Zantac)?

How Ranitidine (Zantac) works

Are you looking for information on famotidine (Zantac 360) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsZantac (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassHistamine H2 antagonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityDiscontinued
faqs

Frequently asked questions about Ranitidine (Zantac)

What is ranitidine (Zantac)?
Ranitidine (Zantac) is a medication used to treat heartburn, stomach and intestinal ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It blocks histamine receptors in your stomach, which lowers the amount of acid made by your stomach. It used to be available as a pill and liquid taken by mouth, as well as an injection given to people in the hospital.
Is ranitidine (Zantac) still available?
No, ranitidine (Zantac) has been recalled by the FDA and is no longer available in the United States.
Why was ranitidine (Zantac) recalled?
In April 2020, the FDA announced the immediate removal of ranitidine (Zantac) from the market because there was an investigation that found an impurity, known as NDMA, in some products. NDMA is a substance that might cause cancer.
What alternatives can I use instead of ranitidine (Zantac)?
While ranitidine (Zantac) is no longer available, there are several other medications, including famotidine (Pepcid AC, Zantac 360) and omeprazole (Prilosec), that are still commonly used for heartburn and other stomach conditions. If you're having heartburn symptoms, talk to your provider to find more information about available medication options.
What is the difference between Zantac and Zantac 360?
Zantac was the brand-name product of ranitidine. After all ranitidine and Zantac products were recalled by the FDA in 2020 due to the presence of a dangerous chemical that can raise the risk of cancer, the brand Zantac relaunched as Zantac 360, which now contains famotidine rather than ranitidine. Famotidine is a similar over-the-counter medication that's still available used to help relieve heartburn, acid reflex, and other stomach conditions.
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interactions

Interactions between Ranitidine (Zantac) and other drugs

Ranitidine (Zantac) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Ranitidine (Zantac). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with a medication in this class or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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What is the latest news about Ranitidine (Zantac)?

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