How often can you take Zantac 360 (famotidine)?

You can take Zantac 360 (famotidine) up to two times a day. The medication should work for about [10 to 12 hours](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534778/). If you still have heartburn that bothers you, talk to a healthcare professional. They can suggest [other ways to help](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/gerd/get-rid-of-acid-reflux), like drinking a glass of milk. Don't take [other heartburn medications](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/gerd/best-treatment-acid-reflux-antacids-h2-blockers-proton-pump-inhibitors) with Zantac 360 (famotidine) without asking a healthcare professional first to make sure it's safe. They can make sure it's safe for you.

How fast does Zantac 360 (famotidine) work?

Zantac 360 (famotidine) usually starts to work [within about an hour](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534778/). It can take [up to 3 hours](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/gerd/omeprazole-vs-famotidine#onset-and-duration) to fully work. If you need quicker relief, talk to a healthcare professional about what you can do to help.

How long does Zantac 360 (famotidine) last?

After you take Zantac 360 (famotidine), it can help with heartburn [for about 10 to 12 hours](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534778/). You can take this heartburn medication up to two times a day if you have heartburn throughout the day. If you still need more relief, talk to a healthcare professional for advice.

Is Zantac 360 (famotidine) safe for kidneys?

Yes, Zantac 360 (famotidine) is [usually safe for the kidneys](https://www.goodrx.com/omeprazole/how-omeprazole-impacts-kidneys) and doesn't tend to harm them. But if you have kidney problems, talk to a healthcare professional first before taking Zantac 360 (famotidine). The kidneys help get rid of the medication from your body. If they don't work as well, side effects might be more likely. A healthcare professional can help make sure Zantac 360 (famotidine) is safe for you.

Does Zantac 360 (famotidine) cause cancer?

It's not clear if Zantac 360 (famotidine) can cause cancer because [findings are mixed](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10308480/). Some [studies suggest](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3646149/) that acid-lowering medications like Zantac 360 (famotidine) might raise the risk of [stomach cancer](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/stomach-cancer). A lot of this concern is with long-term use of [proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/proton-pump-inhibitors/ppi-list), such as [omeprazole (Prilosec)](https://www.goodrx.com/omeprazole/what-is). Heartburn itself can sometimes be a warning sign of a serious stomach problem, like cancer. Taking Zantac 360 (famotidine) can make it feel better and hide this warning sign. If your heartburn doesn't go away after using this medication for 2 weeks, contact your primary care provider. They might want to check for a more serious problem. Talk your primary care provider if you're worried about serious risks from Zantac 360 (famotidine).

What's the difference between Pepcid and Zantac 360?

[Pepcid](https://www.goodrx.com/famotidine/what-is) (or Pepcid AC) and [Zantac 360](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=89f60eb1-359b-40e8-ae8b-65aec9cd5b1f) both contain famotidine. They're different brand names for the same over-the-counter heartburn medication. The tablets might have different [inactive ingredients](https://www.goodrx.com/drugs/medication-basics/ingredients) for things like coating and color. Pepcid also used to be the brand name of a prescription version of famotidine. This prescription-only version is for more serious stomach acid problems. Talk to a pharmacist or healthcare professional if you have more questions about [Pepcid and Zantac 360](https://www.goodrx.com/compare/famotidine-vs-zantac-360).

What's the difference between Zantac and Zantac 360?

The names sound alike, but Zantac and Zantac 360 are not the same heartburn medication. [Zantac 360](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=89f60eb1-359b-40e8-ae8b-65aec9cd5b1f) contains famotidine. Zantac (or [Zantac 75](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/archives/fdaDrugInfo.cfm?archiveid=662523) and [Zantac 150](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/archives/fdaDrugInfo.cfm?archiveid=662491)) were brand names of a similar medication called [ranitidine](https://www.goodrx.com/ranitidine/what-is). In 2020, the [FDA removed all ranitidine products from the market](https://www.goodrx.com/zantac-360/zantac-new-version-famotidine#zantac-recall). This happened because they had chemicals called [nitrosamines](https://www.goodrx.com/drugs/medication-basics/nitrosamines) that could potentially cause cancer. After that, the manufacturing company released Zantac 360, which uses famotidine instead. In late 2025, the [FDA approved a reformulated version of generic ranitidine](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-approves-reformulated-ranitidine-following-comprehensive-safety-review). This reformulated ranitidine has been extensively tested for safety. Ask a healthcare professional if you have more questions about Zantac and Zantac 360.

Zantac 360

famotidine

Used for Heartburn

Zantac 360 (famotidine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to help with heartburn. It works as a histamine-2 (H2) antagonist to lower the amount of stomach acid. People ages 12 years and up can take Zantac 360 (famotidine). It's a pill that you swallow whole once a day, but you can take it twice a day if needed. The medication starts working within an hour and lasts for several hours. Side effects include headache, dizziness, and constipation.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on January 23, 2026

What is Zantac 360 (famotidine)?

What is Zantac 360 (famotidine) used for?

Prevention and relief of heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)

How Zantac 360 (famotidine) works

Zantac 360 (famotidine) is a histamine-2 (H2) antagonist. It works by blocking proteins in your stomach called H2 receptors. This lowers the amount of acid that's made and released in the stomach.

Are you looking for information on famotidine (Pepcid) or ranitidine (Zantac) instead?

When does Zantac 360 (famotidine) start working?Time passed since treatment started:

MINUTES

Initial effect

HOURS

Full effect

DAYS

WEEKS

MONTHS

Drug facts

Common Brands	Zantac 360, Zantac 360 Maximum Strength
Drug Class	Histamine (H2) antagonist
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Over-the-counter

Common Brands

Zantac 360, Zantac 360 Maximum Strength

Drug Class

Histamine (H2) antagonist

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Over-the-counter

Side effects of Zantac 360 (famotidine)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Source: DailyMed

The following Zantac 360 (famotidine) side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Confusion
Hallucinations

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Constipation
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Headache

Pros and cons of Zantac 360 (famotidine)

Pros

Available over the counter without a prescription
Can help with heartburn for up to several hours after taking

Cons

Can take 1 to 3 hours to fully work
Not approved for children younger than 12 years old

Pharmacist tips for Zantac 360 (famotidine)

You can take Zantac 360 (famotidine) with or without food. If you're taking it to prevent heartburn, take it 10 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking anything that usually cause heartburn.
Swallow Zantac 360 (famotidine) whole with a glass of water. Don't chew them to make sure the medication works the way it should. If you have trouble swallowing pills whole, talk to a healthcare professional about your options.
Don't take other acid-lowering medications with Zantac 360 (famotidine) without asking a healthcare professional. If you need more relief, they can help you decide what to try next.
Ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional if Zantac 360 (famotidine) is safe to take with your other medications. Zantac 360 (famotidine) can change how some medications get absorbed into the body. This includes some antibiotics and antiviral medications.
Ask a healthcare professional if Zantac 360 (famotidine) is right for you if you've had heartburn for more than 3 months or if you often have chest pain. These can be signs of a more serious problem that should get checked out.
Call a healthcare professional before taking Zantac 360 (famotidine) if you have chest or shoulder pain, or pain that spreads to your arms or neck. Get emergency help if this pain or any heartburn happens with trouble breathing, wheezing, sweating, or dizziness. These can be signs of a heart attack.
Talk to a healthcare professional before taking Zantac 360 (famotidine) if you have unexpected weight loss, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. Get help right away if you vomit blood or have black or bloody stools. These can be signs of a serious problem.
If you have kidney problems, talk to a healthcare professional before taking Zantac 360 (famotidine). They can make sure this medication is safe for you.
Stop taking Zantac 360 (famotidine) and ask a healthcare professional about what to do if your heartburn doesn't get better or gets worse. Also stop and ask for medical advice if you need to take it for more than 14 days in a row. You might need to see your primary care provider to find out if you need better treatment.

Common questions about Zantac 360

You can take Zantac 360 up to two times a day. The medication should work for about 10 to 12 hours. If you still have heartburn that bothers you, talk to a healthcare professional. They can suggest other ways to help, like drinking a glass of milk. Don't take other heartburn medications with Zantac 360 without asking a healthcare professional first to make sure it's safe. They can make sure it's safe for you.

Zantac 360 usually starts to work within about an hour. It can take up to 3 hours to fully work. If you need quicker relief, talk to a healthcare professional about what you can do to help.

After you take Zantac 360, it can help with heartburn for about 10 to 12 hours. You can take this heartburn medication up to two times a day if you have heartburn throughout the day. If you still need more relief, talk to a healthcare professional for advice.

Yes, Zantac 360 is usually safe for the kidneys and doesn't tend to harm them. But if you have kidney problems, talk to a healthcare professional first before taking Zantac 360. The kidneys help get rid of the medication from your body. If they don't work as well, side effects might be more likely. A healthcare professional can help make sure Zantac 360 is safe for you.

It's not clear if Zantac 360 can cause cancer because findings are mixed. Some studies suggest that acid-lowering medications like Zantac 360 might raise the risk of stomach cancer. A lot of this concern is with long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole (Prilosec). Heartburn itself can sometimes be a warning sign of a serious stomach problem, like cancer. Taking Zantac 360 can make it feel better and hide this warning sign. If your heartburn doesn't go away after using this medication for 2 weeks, contact your primary care provider. They might want to check for a more serious problem. Talk your primary care provider if you're worried about serious risks from Zantac 360.

Zantac 360 is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. This means you can find and buy it either online or at most local pharmacies. If you can't find it, ask a pharmacist to help you find something similar, like famotidine (Pepcid AC).

Pepcid (or Pepcid AC) and Zantac 360 both contain famotidine. They're different brand names for the same over-the-counter heartburn medication. The tablets might have different inactive ingredients for things like coating and color. Pepcid also used to be the brand name of a prescription version of famotidine. This prescription-only version is for more serious stomach acid problems. Talk to a pharmacist or healthcare professional if you have more questions about Pepcid and Zantac 360.

The names sound alike, but Zantac and Zantac 360 are not the same heartburn medication. Zantac 360 contains famotidine. Zantac (or Zantac 75 and Zantac 150) were brand names of a similar medication called ranitidine. In 2020, the FDA removed all ranitidine products from the market. This happened because they had chemicals called nitrosamines that could potentially cause cancer. After that, the manufacturing company released Zantac 360, which uses famotidine instead. In late 2025, the FDA approved a reformulated version of generic ranitidine. This reformulated ranitidine has been extensively tested for safety. Ask a healthcare professional if you have more questions about Zantac and Zantac 360.

Zantac 360 (famotidine) dosage

Typical dosage for Zantac 360 (famotidine)

10 mg tablets
- Adults and children ages 12 years and older:
  - Heartburn prevention: The typical dose is 10 mg by mouth 15 to 60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that can cause heartburn. Don't take more than 2 tablets (20 mg) in a 24-hour period.
  - Heartburn relief: The typical dose is 10 mg by mouth when you feel heartburn symptoms. Don't take more than 2 tablets (20 mg) in a 24-hour period.
- Children younger than 12 years old: Ask a healthcare professional.
20 mg tablets
- Adults and children ages 12 years and older:
  - Heartburn prevention: The typical dose is 20 mg by mouth 10 to 60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that can cause heartburn. Don't take more than 2 tablets (40 mg) in a 24-hour period.
  - Heartburn relief: The typical dose is 20 mg by mouth when you feel heartburn symptoms. Don't take more than 2 tablets (40 mg) in a 24-hour period.
- Children younger than 12 years old: Ask a healthcare professional.

Zantac 360 (famotidine) contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Zantac 360 (famotidine) will not be safe for you to take.

Serious allergy to other histamine-2 (H2) antagonist

What are alternatives to Zantac 360 (famotidine)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Zantac 360 (famotidine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Zantac 360 (famotidine)

Used for:

Prevention and relief of heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)

View prices

Famotidine (Pepcid)

Used for:

Over-the-counter famotidine:
- Prevention and relief of heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)
Prescription famotidine:
- Stomach ulcers
- Intestinal ulcers
- Heartburn (GERD)
- Erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) due to GERD
- Other conditions that cause too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)